Sedation-Dentistry-FAQs

DENTAL SEDATION FAQs

Sedation Dentistry FAQs Gardena, CA

We understand how stressful dental visits are for some patients. Our team does its best to make patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident whenever they visit their Gardena dentist.

However, our compassionate team’s efforts aren’t enough in some instances, particularly in the case of dental phobias. Extreme dental fear can be so intense that patients refuse to see the dentist for routine exams.

To help patients feel more at ease, we offer dental sedation in Gardena, which can help patients feel calm whether they’re getting a routine cleaning or a more complex dental procedure.

What Is Dental Sedation in Gardena?

Dental sedation – or “sleep dentistry” – is when a dentist administers medication before or during a dental appointment. The medicine contains a sedative that allows patients to relax and helps reduce anxiety.

To administer dental sedatives, your Gardena dentist must receive specific training, earn sedation certification, and obtain a permit. Any patient that receives sedative medicine is constantly monitored during and after their procedure. And any equipment used to administer the sedatives is routinely evaluated to ensure safety.

What Are the Three Types of Dental Sedation?

Your dentist can use three types of sedation to help reduce a patient’s dental anxiety and increase their comfort. The type of sedation used depends on a patient’s needs, health history, tolerance, and the type of procedure.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

During conscious sedation, the patient is awake but relaxed and pain/anxiety-free. Sedatives are available as prescribed oral medications, nitrous oxide gas, or intravenous solution.

What Is Twilight Sedation?

Twilight sedation is like being half-awake and half-asleep. The patient is conscious, but they will remember little (if anything) about the procedure. The benefit of this type of sedation option is that we can provide the patient with instructions or ask questions during the procedure.

What Is General Anesthesia?

Also known as unconscious sedation, general anesthesia relaxes patients so much that they fall asleep. They aren’t aware of anything during their appointment and won’t remember anything once they wake up.

General anesthesia is typically administered intravenously or via a mask. It is ideal for patients with special needs, particularly those who require hospital dentistry. However, patients undergoing complex procedures like root canals, implant surgery, or wisdom teeth extraction also benefit from it.

How Much Does Sedation in Gardena Cost?

The cost depends on the type of sedation needed, procedure duration, and the type of procedure. For example, general anesthesia can range from $250 to $1000.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation?

Dental sedation has a separate billing code and a separate fee. When you receive a cost estimate from your Gardena dentist, you’ll receive an estimate for the cost of the procedure (crown prep, root canal, filling, etc.), plus the cost of the chosen sedation option.

Some insurance companies don’t cover any sedation, while others do but with some restrictions. Double-check with your insurance provider to determine what types of sedation they’ll cover and how much of the cost they’ll pay.

Is Dental Sedation Right for Everyone?

While not every patient needs sedation for dental procedures, dental sedation in Gardena is ideal for patients with high anxiety. It is also an excellent option for patients with dental fear/phobia, TMJ disorder, sensitivities to sounds and smells, severe gag reflexes, or special needs.

Your Gardena dentist has helped patients of all ages to successfully complete dental procedures with the aid of sedation. If you’d like to know if sedation is a good fit for you or your child, our dentist can go over all your options.

Find Out How Your Gardena Dentist Can Help You Feel More Comfortable

Contact us to learn more about dental sedation options in Gardena.