Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Are you like 30% of the population: nervous about or even afraid to go to the dentist? If so, it may help you to learn that sedation dentistry is an option. But what about the safety aspects of this treatment? Is it possible that sedation dentistry may be dangerous? 

At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we pride ourselves on offering specialty treatments for patients who need them. This can include anything from Teeth in a Day to laser gum surgery. Our patients trust our methods and enjoy fantastic results. 

Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, and the rest of our team understand that going to the dentist isn’t easy for everyone. In fact, for some, it’s downright terrifying. Let us show you how sedation dentistry can make your trip to our clinic easier — and yes, always safe — so you can keep on smiling.  

Sedation dentistry 101 

First, let’s discuss the treatment. Sedation dentistry is a type of specialty procedure for people who run the gamut of being nervous to go to the dentist to being so afraid they avoid the office altogether. We can use this treatment during myriad procedures as minor as deep cleans to as major as gum surgery. 

There are several types of sedation we use during dental procedures. Of course, we use a local anesthetic when you need to avoid feeling pain during treatment, but we can sometimes  employ it if any kind of oral discomfort makes you squeamish. 

Nitrous oxide is the next option, which relaxes you but allows you to stay awake. 

Intravenous sedation is also called twilight sedation, because it keeps you in a light state of sleep during the procedure. You won’t remember anything, and it’s best used if you get very nervous in the dentist chair. 

Finally, the last option, general anesthesia, puts you completely under and is only used for severe procedures and/or severe dental phobia cases. 

Now that you know what sedation dentistry is and how it works, it’s time for the big question: Is it safe? 

Sedation dentistry and safety procedures 

The very first consideration we have when deciding to employ sedation dentistry is your safety. Many of these treatments are extremely safe and very unlikely to cause any issues. But the deeper the sedation becomes, the more risks the procedure has. 

That’s why we must consider every patient, their needs, and the best, safest course of action for them. 

With sedation, we see all patients as individuals, so we determine which treatment to employ on a case-by-case basis. 

For example, two patients getting the same procedure might not need the same level of sedation. We always err on the side of caution, providing you with the least intensive sedation for your situation. 

But some patients may need general anesthesia, whether because their procedure calls for it or because they’re terrified of dental procedures — or both. That’s why our staff is trained for any eventuality with the use of sedation. 

Ueno Center is proud to be a clinic licensed to and practiced in providing safe sedation solutions. 

In order to ensure your safety, we also take other precautions, such as checking the procedure and its risks against your medical history and discussing your use of any medications and how they might interact with the sedation. 

All in all, these procedures are tried, true, and safe, and we take every precaution to keep them that way. 

Do you need sedation dentistry?

Does fear of the dentist have you putting off a visit you know you need? No matter how mild or severe your anxiety is, it shouldn’t stop you from getting safe, effective care for your oral health. Let us help you get the treatment you need at our Campbell, California, office today.

Call us to make an appointment, or visit us online to request a consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get the safe, comfortable treatment you deserve.