What is Sedation Dentistry?

Does the idea of visiting a dentist fill you with fear? Would you rather go through pain than visit a dentist? Dental anxiety can discourage you from taking care of your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 22 percent of people miss their appointments because they fear the dentist. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to help you find peace in the dental chair. Sedation dentistry is one of these solutions. For painless and gentle dentistry, you can trust Dr. Suzanne Haeri, a vastly experienced dentist who, through modern dentistry methods like sedation dentistry, offers solutions to all sorts of dental problems. With the help of her staff, Dr. Haeri serves Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Carthay, South Carthy, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Santa Monica, and Brentwood areas of California.

What Does Sedation Dentistry Involve?

Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed during dental procedures. It is sometimes called "sleep dentistry," even though that’s not entirely accurate. The method does not induce full sleep but makes you less aware of your surroundings. That means you will still be able to respond to a verbal command or gentle nudging. While being treated, patients are usually awake, except those under general anesthesia.

Unlike other types of sedation, which are usually inhaled or taken as pills, a dentist will administer the sedation through your vein.

What is the Benefit of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps ease anxieties and phobias for dental procedures, making you calm and comfortable. Dentists can work faster when a patient is sedated, resulting in fewer appointments. Many people are so afraid of dental procedures that they avoid visiting the dentist. Nevertheless, an experienced California dentist like Dr. Haeri will use sedation dentistry to help you feel more relaxed so you can receive the deserved care.

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Before a dentist in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Carthay, South Carthy, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Santa Monica, or Brentwood, CA, schedules your sedation, they will review your medical history and medication use. Older patients or patients with serious medical considerations may first consult with their primary care physician. Usually, good candidates for sedation dentistry are people who:

• Have moderate to high dental anxiety


• May require a painful dental procedure


• Have a strong gag reflex


• Need multiple procedures

Conclusively, anxiety should not hinder you from receiving the deserved dental care. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, sedation dentistry can be of great help. Email Dr. Haeri directly at dr@suzannehaeridds.com or the office at info@suzannehaeridds.com to book an appointment. Dr. Haeri and her staff proudly serve Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Carthay, South Carthy, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Santa Monica, and Brentwood areas of California.

Everything You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Does going to the dentist paralyze you with fear? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, sedation dentistry from a cosmetic & general dentistry expert like Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA may be the answer. From invasive procedures to teeth cleaning, sedation can help relax you during those uncomfortable visits to your dentist.

A Closer Look at Sedation Dentistry

When a dentist uses nitrous oxide, a general anesthetic or medication to relax you during a procedure, it's called sedation dentistry. Although many people associate sedation with going to sleep, most people are actually awake during a procedure. Dentists use sedation to help reduce pain, anxiety and tension during treatment.

The level of sedation you might experience includes relaxed but awake, conscious but groggy or on the edge of consciousness. If a dentist uses general anesthesia, you're normally unconscious. Doctors use general anesthesia when performing an invasive procedure like oral surgery.

Can All Dentists Use Sedation

In most cases, dentists are trained to use nitrous oxide. However, using IV sedation or a general anesthetic requires additional training or special licensing. If you have questions for Dr. Suzanne Haeri about her sedation dentistry experience and her cosmetic & general dentistry training in Los Angeles, CA, feel free to contact us today.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Although using a general anesthetic or other medications to relax patients poses some risk, sedation dentistry is typically safe. However, some patients may be at higher risk than others, such as those with sleep apnea. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing conditions, you should consult your primary care doctor or Dr. Haeri before you choose sedation.

Is Sedation Right for Me?

Before you choose sedation, you should consider the procedure you're having and how you normally respond to medical procedures. For example, if you're getting your teeth cleaned, you probably don't need sedation – unless the idea of someone using tools in your mouth paralyzes you with fear. And, if you're terrified of needs, IV sedation probably isn't the best choice.

If you're delaying your next dental visit because you associate dental work with pain, contact our team today to learn more about sedation dentistry in Los Angeles, CA and our cosmetic & general dentistry expert Dr. Suzanne Haeri by calling (310) 657-2200.

Laughing Gas 101

Nitrous oxide or commonly known as laughing gas is used in health care facilities to reduce pain and numb patients during a variety of treatments including surgery. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri uses laughing gas to provide a safe, comfortable, and positive environment during all your dental procedures. Here’s everything you need to know about laughing gas before you book your next appointment today!

 

What Is Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a colorless odorless substance mixed with nitrogen and oxygen. This sedation method has been used for centuries and was first discovered in 1793 by English scientist Joseph Priestly.

How It Works

 

Before undergoing a procedure that uses laughing gas sedation, avoid eating a big meal at least three hours beforehand. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist will fit a small mask over your nose to inhale the nitrous oxide gas. The sedation effects only take a few minutes after you breathe normally through the mask. Nitrous oxide gas does not put you to sleep, so you will still be able to hear sounds and see what is going on. Instead of feeling anxious and worried during your dental treatment, laughing gas causes euphoria and an increased level of relaxation.

 

Once the mask is removed, your lungs will need a few minutes to receive oxygen again and your body will be alert in no time.

 

Symptoms

 

Common symptoms of nitrous oxide include mental confusion and tingling or numbness of the limbs. The chances of negative side effects are very low, with patients experiencing fatigue, vomiting, shivering, or sweating when nitrous oxide dosage levels were too high or inhaled quickly. Dr. Haeri is skilled in administering laughing gas and will be at your side every step of the way.

 

Effects

 

Laughing gas has three effects for patients:

-Pain reduction

-Increased levels of euphoria, so you’re relaxed

-Decreased anxiety and dental phobia

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children?

 With new technologies in health practices, laughing gas is widely known as a safe sedation method for children. Contact our office today to find out if your child is a candidate for laughing gas today. 

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

 

Painless Dentistry

Nervous about your dental visit? You’re not alone. Research platform DentaVox reports, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about making dental appointments pleasant and positive experiences for all her patients. Here are several technologies we use to make your visit as comfortable as possible!

Sedation Dentistry

Using medications to relax patients during dental procedures, sedation dentistry is a great option for a painless dental experience. There are three levels of sedation we use at our office: minimal sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Minimal sedation a smaller dose of medication, allowing you to be awake, but numb during the procedure. Deep sedation makes patients almost unconscious, with the ability to be awakened. Under general anesthesia, you’re completely unconscious during the entire process.

DentalVibe Injection Comfort System

DentalVibe is one of the revolutionary inventions your Los Angeles, CA offers to patients to eliminate painful dental visits. Unlike a traditional injection, you will feel no pricks, pinches, or even the tiniest amount of pain using DentalVibe. This device uses vibrations to block the sensation of pain, leaving patients with no side effects.

Bonding

When you think of bonding, unsightly silver amalgam fillings and a drill powering down on your teeth come to picture. Instead at our office, we use composite resin to cover discolored or damaged teeth. With no scary drilling in your teeth, bonding is a quick procedure that uses only an adhesive to attach molded resin onto the front of your teeth. 

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Dr. Suzanne Haeri has seen many patients who experience some level of anxiety with each dental procedure or appointment. Some patients have had negative experiences with dental procedures that make them anxious, and others may have a sensitive gag reflex that has always made dental work dreadful.  We understand why a dental appointment could be intimidating, but do not want to see patients delaying treatment because of these fears.  Oral conscious sedation is an option we recommend for patients experiencing dental anxiety. 

Oral conscious sedation is administered by taking a pill orally (usually Valium) before a procedure.  The light sedative relaxes the patient but does not ‘knock out’ the patient, as they remain conscious.  They are brought to an extremely relaxed state, and when the dentist begins working, local anesthetic is still used at the site of the procedure.  The combination of oral conscious sedation and local anesthetic means the patient can stay relaxed and usually allows the dentist to complete more work in one session.  This makes a more pleasant experience for an anxious patient, and can even mean less dental appointments overall!

To learn more about oral conscious sedation and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Dental Anxiety

It’s OK to be afraid of the dentist, but there is a strong difference between a person having mild anxiety before a dental appointment and putting one off for years because of a serious phobia. People are anxious about the dentist for different reasons. Perhaps, they anticipate pain, have had a horrible experience in the past, or worry that the dentist might neglect his or her concerns. If you anticipate your dental appointment or haven’t visited the dentist in years, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS can ease your fears and address your concerns.

Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid the dental office because of anxiety or fear. These folks have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, cavities, and bad breath because of the neglect the mouth the has been shown. Unaddressed dental anxiety can lead to oral health problems such as these, which is why it’s important to share your fears with Dr. Haeri. Depending on the level of anxiety, we can discuss sedation options with you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding mouthguards, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Sedation Options

Sedation dentistry is commonly used during oral surgery procedures but can also be used to take the edge off during a dental procedure for patients who suffer from anxiety. At the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we utilize safe and effective methods of sedation. Depending on the patient and the procedure, the following options may be suggested.

• Oral Conscious – With oral conscious sedation, the patient remains awake but is left in a heightened state of mind. For this option, you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.


• Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous, also known as laughing gas, leaves the patient in a euphoric state feeling completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety will fade away and you will be able to respond to the doctor if need be. Nitrous wears off once the procedure is complete, allowing you to return to your daily activities.


• Anxiolysis – This light sedative is not as strong as oral sedation but is recommend for those who have mild to moderate anxiety. You will be able to drive yourself home after anxiolysis is administered.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

Thirty percent of our population avoids visiting the dentist due to fear. Dental fear compromises oral health because a lack of routine care can deteriorate the function of the mouth and smile. Fortunately, at the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS we utilize safe and effective dental sedation methods to help patients combat dental anxiety and/or assist in taking the edge off during a procedure.

To determine which type of dental sedation method is right for you, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will need to see you for a consultation. Whether you decide on nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, you will experience the benefits of sedation dentistry. One of the major benefits of using sedatives in the dental chair is that patients will often feel as if their dental procedure lasted a few minutes rather than several hours. Additionally, it will put the patient at ease and make it easier for Dr. Haeri to perform the procedure. If you are reluctant to improve your smile because of dental anxiety, we guarantee to make you as comfortable as possible and encourage you to discuss your fears with us.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Let Us Explain, Novocain

When you think of the dentist’s office, we are almost certain that you’re wondering about your pain-free options. Depending on the procedure at hand, you will either be given a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake, while general anesthesia allows the patient to sleep. If you are told you’ll be receiving a local anesthetic, “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is commonly used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. During your consultation, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is normally injected into an area during oral surgery and other dental procedures to numb the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and Dr. Haeri can make an informed decision.

If you would like to discuss sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Nitrous Oxide

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS safely uses nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” to control patient pain and anxiety during a procedure. It is not intended to put you to sleep and you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Haeri may have. Your speech may be slightly slurred, and your responses may be slower than usual, but in general, you will be relaxed and cooperative.

For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear. To administer nitrous oxide Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable.

If you have questions about our sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety keeps millions of patients away from the dentist every year and here at the practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS, our staff does not want you to be afraid to receive the dental treatment that you need. We offer a variety of sedation options to our patients to ease their minds while in the chair and these days what makes sedation dentistry so ideal is that it virtually eliminates the pain associated with dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of sedatives. Oral conscious sedation is the most common technique that is used and it requires no needles in case you are afraid of them. Also known as “laughing gas,” this type of sedation causes you to be drowsy while still being able to respond to the doctor. It is the only form of sedation that allows the patient to drive home once the procedure has been completed. While Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS will decide which type of sedation is appropriate for your treatment, it is important to discuss your fears and concerns so that together you can decide on the best treatment for you.

If you suffer from dental fear, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about sedation dentistry as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.