Dental anxiety is a common challenge that many people face, preventing them from getting the dental care they need. At Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno, CA, we understand these fears and offer sedation dentistry as a solution. Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, uses medication to help patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. This service is especially beneficial for those with dental phobia, a low pain threshold, sensitive gag reflexes, or extensive treatment needs. Our goal is to provide a stress-free and pain-free dental experience for all our patients.
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. Contrary to the term "sleep dentistry," most forms of sedation allow the patient to remain awake and responsive, though deeply relaxed. Depending on the type and level of sedation, patients may feel drowsy, calm, and even experience partial or total amnesia about the procedure. This approach is particularly helpful for those who have significant dental anxiety, require lengthy treatments, or have difficulty sitting still for extended periods.
At Shahbazyan Dental Studio, we offer several types of sedation to meet the varying needs of our patients:
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It’s commonly known as laughing gas and is one of the most popular forms of sedation used in dentistry.
The effects of nitrous oxide are felt quickly, providing a sense of calm and relaxation. The sedation level can be adjusted throughout the procedure, and the effects wear off rapidly, allowing you to drive home after your appointment.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication, such as diazepam or a similar drug, prior to your appointment.
Depending on the dosage, oral sedation can provide minimal to moderate sedation, helping you feel relaxed and drowsy. It’s an effective option for managing moderate anxiety and can make longer procedures more tolerable.
Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream, providing a deeper level of sedation.
IV sedation works quickly and allows for precise control over the level of sedation. It is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive procedures. Patients often have little to no memory of the procedure.
General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious and is typically used for extensive dental work or complex oral surgeries.
Administered by a qualified anesthesiologist, general anesthesia ensures that you are completely unaware of the procedure, making it suitable for patients with extreme dental phobia or special needs.
Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable option for various patients:
Dental anxiety refers to the fear, anxiety, or stress associated with visiting the dentist. This condition affects a significant portion of the population and can lead to avoidance of dental care, which can result in poor oral health and more serious dental problems over time. Symptoms of dental anxiety can include sweating, racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even fainting. Understanding dental anxiety is crucial for addressing it effectively and ensuring that patients receive the care they need.
Coping with dental anxiety involves several strategies that can help you feel more comfortable and confident about visiting the dentist:
Discuss your fears with your dentist. At Shahbazyan Dental Studio, we are here to listen and provide reassurance.
Explore sedation dentistry options. Sedation can significantly reduce anxiety and make dental visits more manageable.
Practice deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques before and during your appointment.
Bring headphones to listen to music or an audiobook during your procedure.
Start with shorter, less invasive visits to gradually build your comfort level with dental care.
Sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by a trained professional. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
Nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth are common but typically mild and temporary.
Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Inform your dentist of any known allergies.
Continuous monitoring during sedation helps manage any adverse reactions promptly.
The cost of sedation dentistry varies depending on the type of sedation used and the length of the procedure. Generally, nitrous oxide sedation is the most affordable option, while IV sedation and general anesthesia can be more costly due to the need for specialized equipment and monitoring. At Shahbazyan Dental Studio, we provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and discuss any available payment plans or financing options to make sedation dentistry accessible for all patients.
At Shahbazyan Dental Studio, we believe that dental anxiety should never prevent you from receiving the care you need. That's why we offer a variety of flexible financing options to make sedation dentistry affordable for everyone. Our in-house dental savings plan provides an economical alternative for those without insurance, offering significant discounts on treatments. Additionally, we accept multiple payment methods including cash, checks, and all major credit cards (AMEX, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). For those requiring extended financing, we partner with reputable providers to offer manageable payment plans that spread the cost over time. Contact us today to discuss how we can make your sedation dentistry experience stress-free and financially feasible.
Our non-insurance patients have the option of signing up for our in-house dental savings plan, bringing an affordable option to those without insurance.
Click Here To Learn More about our in-house plan.
To accommodate all our patients, we accept a variety of payment methods. This includes Cash, Checks as well as all major Debit & Credit Cards including AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We also accept debit cards.
Click Here To Learn More about our Payment Options.
Most dentists are allowed to administer minimal sedation such as oral sedation or laughing gas. When general anesthesia must be used, for instance via an IV line, a specialist is required to administer this form of sedation.
Generally speaking, sedation dentistry is extremely safe for the vast majority of all patients who require it. Sedation dentistry has been performed countless times at dental offices all throughout the country, and there have only been rare cases where a patient has reacted badly to it.
In the case of nitrous oxide, the side effects from the laughing gas begin to subside almost as soon as you take the mask away from a patient. However, when oral sedation or IV sedation are used, it can be several hours before the effects wear off completely. That's why it will be necessary to have someone drive you to and from the dental office when either oral sedation or IV sedation are being used.
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