Sedation Dentistry

If you are one of the millions of Americans who avoid visiting the dentist either because of a previous poor experience or the perception the encounter will be painful, we have a solution for you: Oral sedation dentistry.

There are different types of sedation dentistry, but at Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia, we utilize conscious oral sedation.  Using tablets that you take before your dental appointment will allow you to be relaxed and comfortable as we complete your dental procedures.

Conscious Oral Sedation

Conscious oral sedation alters your consciousness, allowing you to relax and remember little, if anything, about your procedure. After taking some tablets that relax you,  Dr. Joel Miller and his team will be able to accomplish more in a single visit. Our specially-trained team will monitor your condition and vital signs throughout your appointment.

The Medications

The most common medications used in sedation dentistry include: 

• Valium^®
• Halcion^®
• Sonata^®
• Ativan^®
• Vistaril^®
• Versed^®

With the exception of Vistaril® (an antihistamine) and Sonata® (a pyrazolopyrimidine), all of these medication are in the benzodiazepines family. These types of drugs are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. When taken in small doses, these medications can make your dental treatment more effective and less worrisome. Talk to Dr. Miller about which medication would best meet your needs. To learn more, please see What to Expect from Oral Sedation.

Recovery

When your treatment is done, you will be awake and alert.  The medications will take a few hours to wear off completely, so you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day to make sure you have recovered safely. Dr. Miller will give you instructions on when and how much you should eat and drink, and if you have any restrictions. The next day, you should be fully recovered with a new, dazzling smile.

Benefits of Oral sedation

Oral sedation is a preferred method of sedation dentistry, and has a number of benefits, including:

• Easy to administer in the form of a small pill
• Inexpensive and works well for most people
• Less risky than deep sedation, because you will remain in a conscious but relaxed state
• Quick recovery
• Little if any recollection of the procedure, due to a certain level of amnesia

To learn more, please see Questions to ask your Sedation Dentist.

If you live in Valencia and Santa Clarita, California or the surrounding area, and want to transform your smile painlessly, please contact the talented dental team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia to discuss whether sedation dentistry is right for you. We offer free consultations so you have nothing to lose by calling our practice today.