Sedation Dentistry in Lodi, CA

Dental sedation is a set of techniques used to help patients relax during dental procedures, such as root canals. Dentists' primary relaxation method is oral medications taken just before treatment begins. The medicine helps the patient feel calm and relaxed during treatment. At TLC Dental Care, our dentists may offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas for minor procedures like cleanings to put a patient at ease before the process starts. Other sedation methods can include sedative injections and IV sedation, which can help keep a patient sleeping throughout the entire process.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide

With nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, you inhale a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen through a mask. This helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment while allowing you to stay awake and alert. The effects wear off quickly during the procedure, and as soon as you stop inhaling the mask, you will feel back to normal again. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral conscious sedation, you will take a small pill about an hour before your treatment. Though the medication will cause you to be drowsy, you will not feel entirely out of it. You may slur your words and feel groggy, but you will be awake enough to answer the dentist’s questions and commands. 

IV Sedation

For patients who need a lot of dental work done in one visit, an IV may be the best way to help them stay relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. The patient is given a sedative medication intravenously during the treatment, and the effects are almost immediate. Patients are monitored constantly by a dentist who monitors their vital signs and keeps them safe throughout the treatment.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Avoidance of Pain and Complications

The number one reason for sedation dentistry is pain control. It is important to note that untreated oral problems can worsen your overall health and lead to other long-term issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Oral infections can even result in death in some cases. With sedation dentistry, you won’t have to worry about pain. Instead, you can sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything. 

Improved Oral Health

While many people suffer from some level of dental fear or anxiety, some avoid the dentist altogether because of these fears. This avoidance can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can seriously affect your overall health. In some cases, it can also lead to the need for oral surgery to treat problems that could have been prevented by routine dental care. With sedation dentistry, patients feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure and can be comfortable and relaxed throughout their visit. This also results in increased cooperation from the patient, allowing for more accurate treatment and faster healing times. 

Patients who receive sedation dentistry have more comfortable experiences during dental treatments. For the best dental care tailored to your particular needs, visit TLC Dental Care at 1101 West Tokay Street Suite 1, Lodi, CA 95240, or call (209) 334-2821.