It’s been estimated that as many as 15 percent of Americans don’t visit the dentist because of fear or anxiety.
The implications of forgoing visits to dental professionals like Dr. Leif E. Löberg and his staff are great. As specialists in oral health, dentists prevent and diagnose diseases of the mouth and teeth, and treat conditions to restore oral health. At Löberg Professional Dental Corporation, we can also spot early warning signs that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.
Sedation dentistry achieves a state of relaxation for patients that otherwise may be so fearful they avoid getting the dental care they need.
There are generally four different levels of sedation. These options vary in their method of administration, the type of medication used, and the effect on the patient.
Minimal sedation may be administered by breathing nitrous oxide combined with oxygen through a mask or by taking a pill such as Halcion. You remain awake, but are drowsy and relaxed.
Dr. Löberg has the additional training and knowledge to administer moderate sedation. Also called “conscious sedation,” we administer a sedative drug intravenously. A larger dose of Halcion or another oral sedative also falls under the moderate category. Words may be slurred, you may feel groggy, and your memory of the procedure may be hazy. However, you remain awake and able to respond to verbal requests.
With drug-induced deep sedation, you hover between unconsciousness and consciousness. While you can still be aroused, your response to requests may be inconsistent. Some breathing assistance may be needed, in the event the airway can’t be kept open.
General anesthesia means you are deeply asleep and can’t respond to stimuli. You won’t be awakened easily until the anesthesia either wears off or its effects are reversed with medication.
Generally, the type of sedative used depends on the level of anxiety. The mission of sedation dentistry is to fight the anxiety that can ultimately damage your oral health. We can develop a plan to help you relax in advance of any treatment that upsets you – from a standard cleaning to an invasive restorative procedure. Call Dr. Löberg and his team in Laguna Hills CA at 949.586.1930.
