Sedation Dentistry

Dentophobia, or the fear of dental work, affects countless Americans every year. This fear of visiting the dentist prevents many people from receiving the oral care they need and causes some people to go too long without a professional cleaning or dental exam. Fortunately, the offices of Rifkin & Raanan offers a simple and stress-free solution for dental anxieties. We proudly offer sedation dentistry options for our patients who are uncomfortable with receiving dental work.

Sedation Dentistry:

Sedation dentistry implores the use of sedatives before or during dental procedures to relax the patient enough to complete the oral work without compromising patient comfort. These methods have been in use for over a century and are safe and efficient. In order to practice sedation dentistry, Dr's Rifkin Raanan completed specialized training beyond standard dentist school.

When considering sedation dentistry, there are various options and levels of sedation to choose from. Dr. Raanan will assess your level of dental anxiety and choose a comfortable and conservative form of sedation for your procedure.

What Are the Options?

We offer several methods of sedation including:

1. Oral Sedation: A pill-form, low level of sedation. Commonly used for patients who fear needles or exhibit slight anxiety over getting dental work done. One pill is administered the night before the procedure to help the patient sleep comfortably, and the second is taken an hour before the procedure is to be done. The prescriptions used for oral sedation include diazepam, triazolam, lorazepam, hydroxyzine, and zaleplon. The effects of this form of sedation vary based on dosage and prescription used, however, patients tend to feel as relaxed as they do after having a couple of cocktails.
2. Nitrous Oxide: The level of sedation with nitrous oxide is slightly more intense than that of oral sedation. Treatment involves the placing of a mask over the patient’s nose so the patient may inhale the gas. The flow of gas can be adjusted by the dentist to achieve the correct level of sedation for the patient’s optimal comfort. The sedation wears off once the patient receives pure oxygen. The effects of nitrous oxide also leave the patients feeling lighter and carefree as if they had a couple of drinks
3. Intravenous Sedation: The most aggressive form of sedation used in instances where the patient exhibits strong anxieties about receiving dental care or requires an invasive procedure. The patient remains conscious through the procedure, however, no memory of it is kept. Patients who opt for IV sedation describe the experience as feeling as though they have slept through their entire procedure.

The patient remains conscious throughout all available forms of sedation allowing for open communication between Dr. Raanan and the patient throughout the procedure.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Sedation dentistry may be the right option for you if you:

• fear dental tools or needles
• have had previous negative experiences with dental work
• are uncomfortable with sounds, smells, or tastes
• have extreme tooth sensitivity
• have difficulty reacting to numbing agents

Dr. Rifkin & Raanan works with you to determine the most suitable method and level of sedation for you. Don’t put off essential dental work any longer, book your appointment with Dr. Rifkin & Raanan today and have a comfortable experience in our Beverly Hills office.