Sedation Dentistry In San Francisco
Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry.
Patients Who Benefit From Sedation Dentistry Have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
The safety of anesthesia services in a dental office has dramatically improved in the past decade due to increased specialized training.
Our dental anesthesiologist is highly trained in the provision of all levels of anesthesia in dentistry, from light sedation to general anesthesia.
Reasons Patients Choose Dental Sedation:
- Having difficulty getting numb
- Being too young to cooperate
- Suffering from tremor related illness
- Requiring extensive treatment needs
- Having an unmanageable gag reflex
- Feeling anxious to receive the necessary dental treatment.
We understand these circumstances and will carefully choose the right sedation service and method of administration for each patient.
Preoperative Evaluation
We will thoroughly evaluate patient medical history and physical status at the consultation appointment. If necessary, we will conduct any additional consultation with your primary care physician, or medical specialist with appropriate medical workup. This is all done in order to optimize patient’s long-term outcome and assure minimal complication during the procedure.
The Levels of Sedation We Provide
Mild Sedation
The patient is at ease and aware of surroundings during mild sedation, while in a more relaxed state of consciousness. The patient will still have the ability to respond to verbal commands and stimulation. Incremental dosing to reach the recommended dose is common, as patients differ in their needs and requirements for a treatment.
Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation is categorized as a deeper state of relaxation, with responsiveness to light stimulation. Patients may feel drowsy and may sleep during the procedure. Our anesthesiologist assures safety during the needed level of unconsciousness.
Deep Sedation
During deep sedation, the patient is in a deeper sleep to avoid anxiety and discomfort. The patient will be breathing independently, with supplemental oxygen given in most instances. This type of monitored care is highly effective and allows the dentist to provide full dental care in complete comfort for every individual, regardless of previous dental experiences.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness where a patient cannot see or hear anything during a procedure. The medication can be administered through various routes, and can be done in both, a hospital operating room and the dental office. It is an extension of deep sedation, helping limit movement and discomfort during dental treatment. A highly trained and specialized dental anesthesiologist is required to provide this type of anesthesia to assure an absolute patient’s safety throughout the procedure.
Postoperative Recovery Period
The duration of the recovery phase after General Anesthesia depends on several factors related to the drugs used and the individual patient’s body response to them, age and general health. When the procedure has ended, the patient is usually transferred to the recovery room, until consciousness is regained, and the vital functions return to normal levels. Recovery of consciousness occurs usually within 30 minutes depending upon the duration of surgery. During the recovery period you will receive a follow-up from your doctor and written instructions.
Our Dental Practice is Located in the Financial District of Downtown San Francisco
For more information about our Sedation Dentistry in San Francisco, or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (415) 693-9139 or send an email to: info@unionsquaredental.com.