Sedation Dentistry in Auburn, California

At Lake of Pines Dental, we pride ourselves on being very aware of how our patients feel in our office and the dental chair. We understand that not every patient who sees us is excited about the treatment. Dr. Matthew Harris prioritizes speaking with and getting to know our patients, who have a little more anxiety surrounding the dentist and treatment than others. We offer several different types of sedation dentistry in Auburn, CA, for deep relaxation to help make our patients feel more comfortable and calm.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry in Auburn, CA, involves medication to help patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. Different levels of sedation are available, ranging from minimal sedation (you remain awake but relaxed) to moderate sedation (you may slur your words and not remember much) to deep sedation (you are essentially under general anesthesia).

What can Sedation be Used For?

Sedation can help manage anxiety, fear, and pain for patients undergoing procedures like extractions, root canals, implants, and lengthy restorative treatments. It allows you to experience dentistry calmly and comfortably while remaining safely monitored. Sedation dentistry has helped millions of people, even those with severe dental phobia, receive the necessary dental care.

Our Sedation Methods

Each method we offer at Lake of the Pines Dental in Auburn, CA, is safe and effective. Below, we have listed two of our sedation methods and a little bit about each to help you better understand how sedation works and how it can help you.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas is the mildest form of dental relaxation available to patients. It is a gas mixed with oxygen and breathed by the patient through a mask right before and during dental procedures. Being a mild form of sedation, you, the patient, will be awake and aware of the entire treatment but will be experiencing relaxation. As soon as we remove the mask, you will be completely aware and able to drive.

We can use nitrous oxide in Auburn on child and adult patients who have anxiety about a procedure or need a little relaxation to make it through their treatment, like teeth extractions or emergency dentistry. If you or a member of your family would greatly benefit from this form of sedation, please speak to us about it at your next visit.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is a slightly stronger form of sedation. It offers a stress-free alternative that involves no needles. Most patients fall asleep during treatment but can still respond to touch and verbal commands. It’s an ideal choice for those who experience dental phobia or have a low pain threshold, making your visits as comfortable and fear-free as possible.

Oral conscious sedation is appropriate for patients undergoing more complex procedures or those with severe dental anxiety. It requires some preparation beforehand, and we recommend that you arrange transportation home after the appointment as the effects may last for a few hours.

IV Sedation

This sedation is the heaviest form of sedation we offer in our office. Here at Lake of Pines Dental in Auburn, we perform more extensive procedures, such as oral surgery and wisdom teeth extractions, that could require extreme sedation for the patient. Right before your procedure, you will receive an IV in your arm, which will administer medicine to calm you down.

Through this sedation method, you will not be unconscious, but you might sleep through your entire procedure. You may be awake but unaware of what is happening in your mouth. For patients who have severe fear and anxiety around dental procedures, you would benefit from IV sedation in Auburn. Please express your wants and needs to one of our team members at your next appointment.

Dental Fear vs. Dental Anxiety

While the terms “dental fear” and “dental anxiety” are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct psychological conditions experienced by many patients. Dental fear is a more severe and pronounced reaction involving an intense, overwhelming sense of danger in response to dental procedures or settings. It can provoke panic attacks and avoidance of the dentist.

Dental anxiety, on the other hand, refers to a milder negative emotional state involving tension, apprehension, and nervousness about an upcoming dental visit or treatment. Anxiety may stem from specific triggers like needles, drills, or worry about pain. While anxiety is unpleasant, it is a less extreme reaction than dental phobia.

Notably, both dental fear and anxiety exist on a spectrum and can range from mild to severe in their impact on a person’s ability to receive necessary dental care. Recognizing the difference can help dentists provide appropriate support, accommodations, or interventions like sedation dentistry to optimize the patient experience.