If you suffer from dental anxiety, you're not alone. Our dentist in Irvine understands that dental visits can sometimes trigger thoughts of past experiences or dental phobia. In some cases, even a sensitive gag reflex will interfere with your access to comfortable dental care. That's why our family dentist in Irvine offers sedation dentistry as a solution to turn your dental visits into more pleasant experiences.
Dental anxiety is a common concern for nearly 1-in-3 adults, and it often prevents people from seeking the dental health care they need. The fear of pain, the sounds of dental equipment, or past traumatic experiences can make dental visits feel overwhelming, but this is where sedation dentistry helps.
You may want to request dental sedation for situations involving:
Anxiety Relief: Sedation Dentistry is specifically designed to alleviate your dental anxiety. It helps you relax, both mentally and physically, throughout your appointment.
Pain Management: Some dental procedures are more complex than others. Sedation dentistry not only eases your anxiety but also helps your dental visit feel more comfortable.
Time Efficiency: With sedation, we can typically complete multiple treatments in a single appointment, which reduces the number of visits you need.
Our Irvine dentist offers two types of sedation dentistry to cater to your specific needs:
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective option to help you relax during most dental procedures. Because it takes effect quickly, it allows you to feel an almost immediate sense of relief. You remain awake and can respond to questions and instructions from our dental team. The effects wear off within minutes, so there are no lingering side effects.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your dental appointment. This medication will induce a deeper state of relaxation while you remain semi-conscious. Simply take your medication by mouth as directed, and you'll be in a relaxed state by the time your procedure begins. Oral sedation is deeper than nitrous oxide and may cause drowsiness for several hours afterward; some people also forget the details of their appointments.
Sedation Dentistry involves carefully administering medication to help you relax during your dental visit. Our experienced and trained team and Dr. Peter Lim at Renew Dentistry of Irvine will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
During your consultation, we will meet with you to understand your specific concerns and medical history. This allows us to determine the most appropriate sedation method for your needs. Depending on the type of sedation chosen, you'll either inhale nitrous oxide or take a prescribed medication orally. For oral sedation, you will need someone to come with you to the appointment and drive you home afterward.
Throughout the procedure, our dentist in Irvine will continually monitor your vital signs to ensure your well-being. We'll provide you with clear post-sedation care instructions depending on the type of sedative you've selected.
Most healthy people are eligible for dental sedation. However, it's important to discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking during your consultation. There may be certain conditions that affect your eligibility, but we will work with you to find a safe and effective solution to your dental anxiety.
Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from having the healthy smile you deserve. Call our Irvine sedation dentist today to schedule your next visit.