04
Mar
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center encounters many patients who avoid dental treatment because of overwhelming dental anxiety. However, when Dr. Wayne Sutton introduces these patients to sedation dentistry, they relax through their visit like other patients. With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, patients in Santa Rosa, California, no longer need to avoid dental work. Talk to our office about stress-free dental care with sedation dental care.
1. How common is dental anxiety?
If you suffer from dental fear, you aren’t alone. You are one among millions of Americans with dental fear. Dental anxiety affects about 36% of the population, with a further 12% experiencing extreme fear.
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed about it. Openly discussing your concerns is the first step toward a more comfortable experience. Our team is here to listen, support you, and help make your visit as stress-free as possible—so never hesitate to share your worries with us.
2. Why do I have dental fear?
No one was born with dental fear—it develops over time. Dental fear is learned and shaped by personal experiences, environment, and perceptions. Children and adults alike feel nervous or uneasy about dental visits because of several factors, including:
- Past negative experiences.
- Embarrassment with the current state of oral health.
- Loss of control.
- Generalized anxiety disorder.
- Fear of pain or needles.
- Negative influence from the media, friends, and relatives.
- A strong gag reflex.
Dental fear is not permanent. With the right approach, anyone can feel comfortable and confident about their oral health care.
3. What are the sedation dentistry options available?
Sedation dentistry isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Our office provides several sedation options to cater to different needs. Nitrous oxide is the mildest yet effective sedation. It’s administered through a nasal mask, and its effects kick in immediately after you inhale the gas. Inhalation sedation makes you carefree about your treatment but remain responsive during treatment. Its effects wear out immediately after you stop inhaling the gas.
Oral sedation dentistry involves taking a prescription pill about an hour before your treatment. Patients experience deep relaxation and will be less aware of the moment-to-moment details of their procedure. You’ll remember little about your procedure while you remain awake and responsive to the dental team. Since the effects remain after treatment, you need someone to escort you home.
4. Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes! However, its safety is guaranteed if administered by trained personnel. Before the procedure, we conduct a thorough medical evaluation to rule out contraindications like allergies to sedation. We also monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to optimize your safety.
5. What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits. The notable ones include:
- Pain-free experience: Sedation provides a virtually painless dental experience, even for complex procedures.
- Faster turnaround: Sedation dentistry keeps you relaxed in the dental chair so the dentist can work faster. The dentist can also combine several treatments in a single visit, saving time and the need for repeat treatments.
- Comfortable experience: Patients often report their experience as “sleep-like,” even though they remain conscious during treatment.
Meet your Santa Rosa sedation dentist today!
Overcome your dental anxieties for good with sedation dentistry near Santa Rosa, California. Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center has helped hundreds of dental-phobic patients, and we can’t wait to help you. Call (707) 542-6772 and book your visit today!
Dr. Wayne Sutton
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Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 25 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.
Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.