We always use local anesthetic for treatments that require it. However, just because the pain is gone does not mean the treatment is a pleasant experience for some patients. Dental anxiety and stress can play significant roles in the experience as well. That is why we are proud to offer options for sedation dentistry in Beverly Hills.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves giving patients medication that reduces anxiety. We have multiple options, each with unique benefits and high safety profiles for patients of all ages. Sedation dentistry can play a crucial role in allowing patients with dental anxiety to have the regular dental care needed for lifelong oral health.
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. Rather than being alone in your worry about the dentist, you are in good company. Some studies show that at least 1 in 3 people in the US have some worry about dental treatments. For many people, this worry is so strong they will put off dental visits. They miss out on crucial dental care and may develop severe decay or gum disease. Dental sedation allows patients to pave a path back to having routine, stress-free dental care.
Types of Sedation
- Laughing Gas: Nitrous oxide provides rapid anxiety relief that can easily be modulated to suit your needs. The effects quickly fade after treatment, and most patients can drive afterward.
- Oral Sedation: Oral sedation provides longer-lasting, consistent anxiety relief during treatment. You take a tablet that will begin to work within about half an hour. However, patients should not drive after treatment, as the effects can linger for a few hours.
- IV Sedation: Our most powerful sedation option delivers sedatives through an IV line. As with oral sedation, patients will need someone to drive them home afterward.
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Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Safe options for all ages
- Can drive after some options
- Reduce stress during visits
- Improve oral care consistency (less likely to put off treatment)
- Reduce the pain of treatment
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What is the process like?
- Consultation: Your path to stress-free dental care starts the moment you pick up the phone to call our office. We can walk you through the sedation options and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
- Receiving Sedation: You receive your sedative before treatment, and we only begin once you are fully relaxed. There is no rush. We want you to feel at complete ease before we take a single step in your procedure.
- Have Your Treatment: Feeling fully relaxed? Then we can start your treatment! Our specialists ensure your sedation option remains effective throughout your treatment, adjusting as needed.
- Precautions Afterward: Some sedation options may leave you feeling groggy afterward. In these cases, you will need to avoid operating vehicles or other machinery for a few hours.
Which sedation option is right for me?
We thoroughly consult with each patient to match them with the right sedation option. We take into account several factors, including:
- Your medical history to ensure a safe experience
- Your sedation preferences
- How impactful your dental anxiety is
- The duration of your treatment
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids and teens?
Laughing gas is the best option for younger patients. It has a high safety profile, and the effects wear off rapidly. Many patients pick up dental anxiety habits as children, which they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Sedation can help break that cycle by creating a positive, stress-free experience.
Does insurance cover sedation?
Insurance may only reimburse sedation for procedures when it is medically necessary. For example, some insurance plans may partially cover sedation for procedures like wisdom teeth removal. For other treatments, it is considered an elective option, so insurance providers likely will not cover it.
However, we offer patients access to discounted treatments through our TruGlo Membership plans. These annual plans give members discounts and additional benefits for a range of dental care options, including sedation and cosmetic dentistry.
Book Your Appointment
Dr. Rhonda Kalasho and the TruGlo team want to ensure every patient has a fully positive experience at our office. If you have dental anxiety, call our office to learn more about our options for sedation dentistry in Beverly Hills. Turn dental care from a stressful time to a relaxed one with safe and effective sedation.