Sedation Dentistry

If you have dental anxiety or a sensitive pharyngeal reflex, sedation dentistry can help you relax in the dentist’s chair and receive dental treatments with ease. At Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California, the dedicated team offers sedation dentistry options to children, teens, and adults. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about sedation dentistry.  

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses oral medication to help you relax during dental procedures. Many people put off regular teeth cleanings and oral health treatments because they have dental anxiety or fear. 

The Select Dental & Orthodontics team offers sedation dentistry to ease your nerves and bring you peace of mind, ensuring you have a relaxing and comfortable experience.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

You might benefit from sedation dentistry at Select Dental & Orthodontics if you have:

• Very sensitive teeth or gums
• A sensitive pharyngeal (gag) reflex
• Low pain tolerance
• Medical issues that require extensive dental work

The team also uses sedation dentistry to help individuals with special needs. For example, if your child has difficulty sitting still for extended periods, sedation dentistry can keep them from squirming while having their teeth cleaned or repaired.

What are my sedation dentistry options?

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, the team offers a popular sedation dentistry option, oral sedation. 

Oral sedation relies on prescription medicines, like Halcion®, to help you relax. Halcion is a class of drugs that helps relieve anxiety. You take the medication 45 minutes prior to your appointment and have a friend or family member drive you to the office. When the medication starts working, you’ll feel drowsy. You might even fall asleep.

During sedation dentistry, the Select Dental & Orthodontics team monitors your heartbeat and respiratory rate. After your procedure, they move you to a recovery room for observation. When the oral sedation wears off, a friend or family member picks you up and takes you home.

What is recovery like after sedation dentistry?

After sedation dentistry, take the rest of the day off of work or school. Please also get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and follow the team’s instructions. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take them as recommended by the team.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe and usually well-tolerated, but any type of anesthesia presents risks. During your initial consultation, it’s important to let the Select Dental & Orthodontics team know if you have an underlying medical issue, like heart or kidney disease. You should also alert them to any vitamins, medicines, or supplements you take.

After gathering the necessary information, the team determines the type of sedation dentistry that will most benefit you. 

Call Select Dental & Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sedation dentistry.