Patient Information

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry refers to the administration of either pills, intravenous medications, nitrous oxide or a combination thereof,used in conjunction with receiving dental treatment in order to produce varying levels of relaxation. Patients who are either nervous about receiving dental treatment, may have a very sensitive gag reflex, would like to treat years of dental neglect in just a few visits or have a medical condition that makes sitting through dental treatment uncomfortable,may find sedation dentistry to be the answer. If you are a person who has had difficulty getting adequately numb for dental procedures, sedation dentistry can help.
 
Dr. Da Re is licensed in the State of California to administer all forms of Conscious Sedation to our patients. If you or someone you know could benefit from this valuable service, please don’t hesitate to ask for a consultation with Dr. Da Re. It is our goal to make your dental treatment as painless and comfortable as possible!
 
Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV Sedation produces a lowered level of consciousness such that one is deeply relaxed; similar to taking a light nap during dental treatment. IV sedation is fast-acting, taking effect in a matter of minutes, and can be controlled to increase or decrease your level of sedation safely and precisely. With IV Conscious Sedation you will maintain the ability to breathe on your own and be able to respond to verbal commands. If you have fear of receiving dental treatment, a hyperactive gag reflex, difficulty getting numb or simply wish to treat years of dental neglect in one or two visits, IV Conscious Sedation may be just for you. It is particularly beneficial for longer appointments and for oral surgical procedures.
 
When you receive IV Sedation during your dental treatment, you will feel no pain; you will not hear, smell or taste anything, and you will have little or no memory of the procedure. This modality is safe, predictable, comfortable and reversible if need be. It is our goal to ensure that your dental treatment can be completed as comfortably and painlessly as possible. The recovery is simple and quick. Dr. Da Re is licensed by the State of California to safely administer and monitor all forms of Conscious Sedation. Please request a consultation with Dr. Da Re if you or someone you know is interested in this procedure.
 
Oral Conscious Sedation (Pills)

One or more pills are taken about an hour before your treatment, which will make you feel relaxed and somewhat sleepy. You will, however, remain awake and conscious and will be able to interact with and respond to the dentist. The sedative effects can last for up to ten hours. Sometimes you may also be prescribed a pill to take the night before your treatment to help you sleep. The most commonly used oral conscious sedation medications are Halcion, Xanax and Ativan. which are very safe, have a minimum of side effects and are reversible.

This mode of sedation is generally recommended for those patients with mild anxiety over receiving dental treatment and for procedures lasting under 1-2 hours. If you are a patient who wants to sleep through your dental treatment, oral medications should not be your choice of sedation.

 
General Anesthesia
For patients wishing to be completely asleep and totally unaware, it may be necessary to either bring in a Certified Dental Anesthesiologist or have the procedure performed in a hospital setting. This may be necessary for severly disabled individuals or for major surgical or reconstructive procedures.
 

All dental sedation procedures require a thorough pre-screening appointment with the doctor and require dietary restrictions prior to sedation and a responsible adult to transport you and stay with you until the effects of the sedation have completely worn off.