Sedation Dentistry Santa Monica, CA

Sedation Dentistry An Overview

Sedation dentistry is commonly used to help patients control their dental anxiety. Fear of the dentist can restrict patients’ ability to receive the dental care they need, allowing complex oral health concerns to develop in the absence of dental care. Through dental sedation, patients with anxiety can also receive several dental treatments or procedures during one visit, saving time, money, and stress.

Santa Monica dentist and periodontist Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo offers sedation dentistry options to help patients feel completely relaxed and comfortable during their dental treatments.

Sedation Dentistry Methods

  • Oral Conscious Sedation: This form of sedation is taken in pill form. Some patients may take the pill several hours prior to treatment and will need a ride to and from treatment. Patients remain awake but completely relaxed during treatment.
  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A breathable gas, nitrous oxide takes effect immediately after inhalation. Patients remain awake and alert during treatment but will have little to no memory of the procedure.
  • IV Sedation: Dr. Dall’Olmo is IV sedation certified and offers sedation dentistry for patients who are undergoing advanced restorative dental procedures. IV sedation will allow the patient to sleep peacefully during their treatment. IV Sedation can be controlled and will be closely monitored during treatment.

Our patient’s safety and comfort are our top priority. Dr. Dall’Olmo is IV sedation certified and has over 20 years of experience. All sedation methods are recommended with discretion, taking into consideration the patient’s medical history and current health condition.

Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?

Traditionally, sedation dentistry targets patients that are afraid of the dentist. Some patients are only triggered by certain procedures or dental tools, while others can’t even come into the office at all. If you’re consistently avoiding your regular visits to the dentist, you’ll end up with more severe dental problems in the future. Then, you’ll have to spend more time in the office to treat extensive dental conditions.

With sedation, you’re able to get the regular dental care you need. It keeps you calm and relaxed throughout the process. We’ll help determine which form of sedation is the best for your specific needs. For instance, if you have trouble even coming into the office, oral sedation taken before your appointment is one of the better options for you.

But people with dental anxiety aren’t the only ones that benefit from sedation. It can be difficult for children or people with movement disorders to get the care they need. Involuntary movements can be dangerous when the dentist is working with the delicate parts of your mouth and sharp dental tools. Sedation helps to suppress these movements and induces a relaxed state.

Severe gag reflexes make treatment uncomfortable for both the patient and the dentist. It’s basically fighting the dentist when they’re trying to treat conditions in your mouth. Sedation calms these reflexes so that treatment is more comfortable for you and the dentist can do the work he needs to do.

When you’ve avoided dental care for a long time, you develop more extensive issues. There are other severe dental problems that can happen as you age or due to trauma. Sedation allows us to treat multiple dental conditions in one sitting. It keeps you relaxed and calm, making treatment faster and more comfortable.

Dr. Dall'Olmo (alias Dr. D.) is the BOMB!!! I've been a patient of his for over a decade and wouldn't go to anyone else. He is the BEST of the BEST and everyone in his office is wonderful! I always…Cyndy L.
If I could give 10 stars I would. Over the weekend I was having severe shooting pain in my jaw, head and neck due to a deeply decade/infected molar. ER helped by providing me with pain killers to keep me…Jessica R.
... My recent gum graft surgery... 2 surgeries actually. The first was so great, I came in for another ;) jk. All jokes aside, the doctor and his staff are competent, professional, patient and accommodating. This all makes for a…Jose B.
I have had many bad experiences in many dental Offices. I am elated to say those experiences Are now in the past, and I am thrilled to know Dr. Dall'Olmo, Brenda, and his staff will be my Trusted dental office…Dale C.

Sedation Dentistry What to Expect

The patient experience will vary depending on the form of sedation selected for use. Our dental care team will ensure that every patient is fully informed about their sedation option and will outline the benefits and risks.

Dr. Dall’Olmo has over 20 years of experience and stays current with the latest in modern dentistry. Our team facilitates open and honest communication with our patients through a mutual patient-dentist relationship founded on trust. Dr. Dall’Olmo believes in patient-focused dental care and always offers the most conservative treatment plan that is designed to maintain the integrity of the natural teeth and gums.

Through patient education, we keep patients informed about the condition of their oral health and how best to care for it so that they make confident choices regarding their dental care. Our staff is always happy to answer questions and is available as a resource for you.

 

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

How long does it take to fully recover from sedation dentistry?

The effects of dental sedation typically last a full 24 hours, so it’s important to give yourself time after your appointment has been completed. Some patients may feel completely back to normal within hours, while others may feel drowsy for several hours after the procedure.

Is sedation the same as anesthesia?

Sedation dentistry and anesthesia are two completely different procedures. Sedation dentistry is a procedure that uses medications to help you relax during your dental treatment. This can be done through various methods such as oral sedatives, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous sedation. While you relax, you will still be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist. Anesthesia, on the other hand, is a medical procedure that renders you unconscious so that you do not feel any pain during your dental treatment. This is done through the use of general anesthetics such as Propofol.

Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

A good candidate for sedation dentistry is someone who experiences anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist, or has a low pain threshold. . Sedation dentistry can help to reduce these feelings and make the experience more comfortable. It can also be helpful for people who need extensive dental work or who have trouble relaxing during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can be used for a variety of procedures, including tooth extractions and other dental work.

Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?

Generally, sedation dentistry is not covered by insurance. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the specific policy. Some dental plans may cover a certain amount of sedation dentistry services each year, while others may not cover it at all. Some dental insurance policies may reimburse you for the cost of sedation dentistry services if they are performed in a hospital setting. And a few policies may also reimburse you for the cost of sedation dentistry services provided by a dentist if the services are used to treat a medical condition that requires urgent care. Be sure to check with your insurance company to find out what is and isn’t covered under your plan.

Are there side effects associated with sedation dentistry?

Oral sedation does not have many side effects. Some of the more common side effects include feeling drowsy or lightheaded after the sedative wears off. It is possible to experience nausea or a headache. But overall, sedation dentistry is a very safe and effective way to relax during your dental appointment.

Dr. Fabrizio Dall'Olmo

Why choose Dr. Fabrizio Dall'Olmo and Associates?

Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo is a leading Santa Monica CA dentist for the preservation of the your natural smile through Bio-Emulative dentistry. Founded in the biologic concepts associated with both periodontics and implants dentistry, Bio-Emulative dental care focuses on the long term maintenance of your natural oral structure, from the integrity of the teeth to healthy gum tissue.

We welcome patients and families seeking personalized, comprehensive oral health care that is based on respect, communication and education about how to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. We also welcome patients that need other dental services that we offer.