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We understand that coming in for dental care might not be something you actively look forward to, but it shouldn’t be something you dread. Irving S. Lebovics, DDS, and his team strive to create a warm, welcoming office environment and to make patients as comfortable as possible during restorative treatments.
But we understand that dental anxiety is a very real concern for many Los Angeles residents, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options. This approach can make it much easier to navigate your dental health needs.
Dental anxiety is a feeling of stress, fear, or anxiety that arises when you’re faced with the thought of coming in for dental health services. Some people have more specific fears, like a fear of dentists or intense discomfort when they hear dental tools, such as a drill. Some cannot stand the thought of having someone else’s hands in their mouth.
For some, dental anxiety is manageable. You might not look forward to your dental visits, but you can tolerate them. For others, dental anxiety is so severe that it becomes nearly impossible to schedule a trip to the dentist.
Fortunately, people with all forms of dental anxiety can get the care they need through sedation dentistry.
You have choices when it comes to sedation dentistry. Dr. Lebovics is happy to work with you to find the right fit for your needs. Here’s an overview of available options.
Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in through a mask or cannula. The gas creates a sense of deep relaxation in a very short time. You may feel drowsy or euphoric.
You’ll remain awake (or easily rousable) during the visit, and you’ll be able to respond to requests to open your mouth and otherwise facilitate your treatment. Once the mask or cannula is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide begin to wear off immediately.
This approach involves taking a prescription medication about an hour before your visit begins. The medication helps you relax and removes much of the fear and anxiety you might otherwise experience.
If you choose oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your visit. While the drugs used for these services are not especially powerful, it does take some time for the effects to fade, and operating heavy machinery is not allowed.
This is the strongest form of sedation available through our office. It involves delivering sedative medication intravenously, through thin medical tubing that’s inserted into a vein on your arm or wrist.
Here again, having a ride home is required. You might remember some aspects of your visit, but you’ll most likely feel so sleepy that you’ll nap a bit.
If you suffer from dental anxiety and want to give sedation dentistry a try, give our office a call to discuss options. No matter which approach you choose, rest assured that our team works with patients with dental anxiety regularly. We understand what you’re going through, and we are here to do everything in our power to make you comfortable throughout your visit with Irving S. Lebovics, DDS.
Book your appointment today by calling us during normal business hours or spending a few moments on our online booking page.