San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
We know how important it is to receive regular dental care by visiting San Francisco dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning and an examination. However, for many people, visiting the dentist can be a stressful—even terrifying—situation.
For patients who are apprehensive or frightened about seeing the dentist, Glen Park Dental can offer a safe and comfortable experience through sedation dentistry. By administering oral sedation that comes in the form of a small pill, we can calm a nervous patient to feel relaxed and comfortable. When using sedation, our team of professionals can do years’ worth of dental treatment in one or two visits—including performing cleanings, filling cavities, repairing chipped teeth or installing major restorations such as crowns or dental implants.
Is sedation dentistry right for me?
Patients with dental anxiety or dental phobias are considered ideal candidates for sedation dentistry, which also can be a good fit for patients with the following conditions:
- Jaw discomfort during lengthy dental procedures
- Traumatizing previous dental experiences
- Difficulty responding to local anesthesia
- Extremely sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
However, sedation dentistry is not recommended for individuals with the following pre-existing conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Glaucoma
- Allergy to sedatives
- Resistance to medications
- Central nervous system depression
How should I prepare for a sedation dentistry treatment?
You will need to arrange transportation to and from our office, because of the effects of the sedation.
You should avoid consuming alcohol the day of, or evening prior to, a sedation procedure. Make sure to allow the proper amount of time for a sedation dentistry procedure, as the entire time of sedation could last several hours, depending on the dental work that is being performed. You should plan on going home to relax for the rest of the day.
What can I expect during sedation?
You will not be completely asleep. Instead, you enter a state of deep relaxation. You are still aware of your surroundings and can respond to commands or questions by our dental care team. We will carefully monitor your vital signs at the time of sedation and throughout your entire appointment. Should at any time you have a concern, please let us know.
Sedation dentistry also allows for minimized discomfort throughout your procedure. Patients who undergo sedation dentistry are typically left with little to no memory of the procedure.
Afterward, it may take several hours or more for the effects of the seadtion to wear off. You should plan on going home to rest for the remainder of the day. After that, you should feel yourself agian.
What treatments can be performed under sedation?
Glen Park Dental can perform a host of procedures under sedation, ranging from simple to complex. We even can install dental implants, dentures, crowns, or perform gum surgery or cosmetic treatments.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
We follow sedation dentistry protocols that have been used in the field for more than 30 years. Our dentists are sure to review your medical history before beginning a sedation process.
Do not let fear of the dentist deprive you of the dental care you need. For more information about sedation dentistry, contact our office by calling (415) 585-1500.
Glen Park Dental serves patients in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California.
