Procedures

Sedation Options

It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30% are afraid of the dentist.
The doctors and staff of Contra Costa Endodontics are committed to making sure each and every patient has a comfortable positive dental experience. To that end we offer several safe, effective and comfortable options of sedation for the anxious, or fearful patients.

Inhalation Sedation -Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide (N20) is simply a gas, which the patient can breathe in and out through their nose. Within 2 to 3 minutes of breathing the gas, the patient will experience the relaxation and pain-killing properties of the gas. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, the patient should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout their body. Often people get “the giggles” (hence the name laughing gas!)

Is Nitrous Oxide safe for the dental patient?
YES, It has no color or smell and the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. There is no “hangover feeling”, and you can safely drive home and don’t need an escort.

Which patients benefit the most from Nitrous Oxide?

  • Any patient that feels they need a little help relaxing during their appointment

Oral Sedation

What is oral sedation dentistry?
Sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “relaxation” dentistry, the terms describe the feelings most patients experience during their oral sedation appointments. The purpose of oral sedation is to allow a dentist to work more effectively by helping a patient become as comfortable as possible with the patient remembering little to nothing of their time in the dental chair by the next day. This is accomplished through the use of sedative medications administered orally and sublingually. A consultation appointment is needed so the patient and dentist can discuss all the sedation procedures.

Is Oral Sedation safe for the dental patient?
YES, Appropriately trained dentists can use a variety of protocols customized to a patient’s physiological and pharmacological needs. A number of oral agents developed especially for these purposes, subjected to rigorous research and testing, are safe and have been used for decades. Dr. Dobin utilize the most up to date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality sedation care:

  • Blood pressure
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Respiratory monitor

Which patients benefit the most from oral sedation?
Oral sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

  • High dental anxiety and fear
  • A severe gag reflex
  • Time constraints—those who need to get more dentistry done in fewer visits
  • Chronic or acute jaw soreness
  • Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed

IV Sedation – Sleep Dentistry

What is intravenous sedation?
Intravenous anesthesia is a safe, cost effective, and convenient means of completing dental care while you sleep. Conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia can be administered comfortably in your dentist’s office. A consultation appointment is needed so the patient and dentist can discuss all the sedation procedures.

Who should receive dental care with intravenous anesthesia?
Individuals with the following special needs are candidates for intravenous anesthesia:

  • Medically Compromised
  • Physically & Mentally Disabled
  • Anxiety & Fear
  • Local Anesthetic Allergies
  • Hyperactive Gag Reflex
  • Time Constraints
  • Desire to be asleep during the dental procedure

Is intravenous anesthesia safe for the dental patient?
YES, Intravenous anesthesia is safe if performed by a licensed professional. That is why Contra Costa Endodontics uses the services of Dr. Thomas Lenhart, a Board Certified Dentist Anesthesiologist from Bay Area Anesthesia Resources for all of our IV sedation patient needs.

The anesthesiologists from Bay Area Anesthesia Resources are experienced heath care providers that are residency trained in the delivery of intravenous anesthesia. They are responsible for the continuous anesthesia management, comfort, and care of the dental patient.

The anesthesiologists utilize the most up to date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality anesthesia care:

  • Blood pressure
  • Electrocardiography
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Precordial stethoscope
  • Respiratory monitor