Sedation Dentistry San Diego

Sedation dentistry

One of the most humane inventions in recent years is sedation dentistry, an option for those with significant anxiety around oral procedures. An estimated 100 million Americans avoid the dentist because of their fears, leading to unchecked oral disease, tooth loss and a major decrease in quality of life. At Soft Touch Dental, we cater to these clients, providing state of the art “sleep dentistry”, a safe and stress-free option for maintaining your oral hygiene.

What is sedation dentistry?

Let’s say you have a dental appointment on the calendar. As the date of your appointment approaches, what do you envision? Do you see yourself lying back in the dentist’s chair, your body tense with anxiety and your hands gripping the arms of the chair in fear?

Rest assured, you are not alone. A huge number of people are missing a vital component of their oral health maintenance due to missed dental appointments. Good oral hygiene is not about brushing and flossing alone. Yes, they’re an essential part of your daily routine, but regular visits to the dentist are equally important.

Now, picture this: You’re in the dentist’s chair, relaxed and at ease, maybe listening to pleasant music drifting in from somewhere near the ceiling. And then the dentist says, “Ok, we’re all done.” It sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it?

We promise, it’s not. At Soft Touch Dental, we pride ourselves on providing personalized dental care. That’s why we offer conscious sedation dentistry – so you can remain comfortable while we take care of your smile.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for those struggling with:

Phobias related to oral procedures
Previous bad experiences with dentists
Extreme oral sensitivity
Small oral cavity that is difficult to access during dental procedures
Allergies to local anesthetics
General anxiety disorder

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An estimated 100 million Americans avoid the dentist because of their fears, leading to unchecked oral disease, tooth loss and a major decrease in quality of life.

How does sedation dentistry work?

About an hour before your procedure, you will take an oral sedative. We use Halcion, and the dose we give you will depend on the level of sedation you want to achieve.

A smaller dose will provide minimal sedation. Your cognitive function will be minimally impaired. You will respond normally to verbal commands and remain awake but drowsy during the procedure. This level of sedation will help to eliminate anxiety and give you a more relaxing experience in the dental chair.

An increased dose will provide moderate sedation. You will respond purposefully to verbal commands. You may fall asleep during your procedure, but you will be easily awakened.

In addition to eliminating anxiety and providing you a more comfortable experience, sedation dentistry also allows us to perform more dental procedures in a single visit rather than having you return to our office again and again.

We thought you’d like the sound of that.

At Soft Touch Dental, we know your smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too. Our patients routinely praise us for our expertise, our professionalism, and our gentle touch. That is what makes us among the top providers of sedation dentistry in San Diego. Come in and let us restore your faith in dentistry.

What are the different types of sedation dentistry?

Your dentist can help you to decide the best option for sedation during your private consultation. Dental sedation can help patients to manage many types of dental procedures, including root canals, extractions, dental implants, deep cleanings and more.

The most common types of sleep dentistry include:

Nitrous oxide: This is a relaxing gas that works quickly and wears off quickly. You may be able to drive yourself home after undergoing a procedure with nitrous oxide.
Oral sedatives: Oral sedatives can help you to relax and feel less anxious during a dental procedure. You may still be awake, but you will feel drowsy and like you’re underwater. You can take oral sedatives an hour before your session.
Intravenous sedatives: IV sedatives can be administered at different potencies depending on how conscious you want to be. With “twilight sleep” you’re less aware of your surroundings, but you’re still somewhat awake. You will not remember what happened during your dental procedure afterwards.
General anesthesia: General anesthesia can be administered to ensure you are 100% unconscious during your dental procedure.

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

Fewer appointments needed
Comfortable, stress-free experience
No pain
Reduction in anxiety
No more gag reflex

Who makes a good candidate for sleep dentistry in San Diego?

Sleep dentistry is a possible solution for the following patients:

Those who do not tolerate pain well
Those with sensitive teeth
Those with a bad gag reflex

First, your dentist will consult with you about your medical history. Under the expert care of Dr. Fakhimi, you will be administered an oral sedative before a procedure. You are carefully monitored throughout the procedure so that you remain comfortable throughout the entire process.

Don't let the fear of a dentist's office prevent you from taking care of your teeth. Call us today to learn more about sedation dentistry and if it is right for you.

Where will my procedure take place?

Our dental crown procedures are all performed at our state-of-the-art San Diego dental office, which boasts innovative, top-tier technology, software and equipment in a safe, accredited setting. Our waiting rooms and treatment areas are kept immaculate at all times, and are carefully climate controlled for your maximum comfort. In addition, we provide premium amenities and soothing music for your visit. If there is anything extra you require, simply ask us. We are happy to help in any way possible.

How much does sedation dentistry cost?

Fees for sedation are usually added to the total cost for your procedure, so pricing will vary. You will need to speak with your insurance carrier to find out what coverage is available for your unique case. Our team can advise on financing during your private San Diego sedation dentistry consultation.

Why choose Dr. Fakhimi?

Dr. Fakhimi is passionate about oral health as well as patient comfort. That’s why he is excited to offer sedation dentistry for those clients who have difficulty undergoing dental procedures due to anxiety. Soft Touch Dental was founded by Dr. Fakhimi to meet a need for cutting edge solutions to common dental problems in a state of the art, technologically advanced setting. For over 20 years, Dr. Fakhimi has offered superior outcomes, compassionate customer service and aesthetic excellence, making him among the top choices for sleep dentistry in San Diego.

After graduating from the prestigious University of Nevada and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and earning his Doctorate degree, Dr. Fakhimi attended the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced and Cosmetic Dentistry (LVI), where further honed his skills in cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction. He is an active and honored member of the American Dental Association.

FAQ

Is sedation dentistry safe?

At Soft Touch Dental in San Diego, your health, safety and well being are our highest priorities. As long as sedation dentistry is performed by a qualified, licensed dentist with impeccable training such as Dr. Fakhimi, it is completely safe. You will be closely monitored during your procedure to ensure your treatment remains on track.

Are there side effects related to sleep dentistry?

Some common side effects include a dry mouth, a brief period of amnesia after waking, headaches, nausea or grogginess. Most patients do not experience these symptoms to a severe degree and most find sedation dentistry highly preferable to its alternative.

What should I do after sedation dentistry?

After your appointment, you should have a friend or family member drive you home, as it is not advisable to operate a vehicle or any other machinery for around 24 hours. Go home, rest and take it easy. You will be able to return to your normal busy routine the next day.

Don't delay your oral well-being

Dentistry isn't Expensive - Neglect is.

Sedation Dentistry San Diego