Sedation Dentistry
At Light Dental Studios, we offer sedation dentistry to ensure a comfortable and anxiety-free experience for our patients.
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General Anesthesia
General anesthesia, also referred to as sedation dentistry, is a specialized service offered at Light Dental Studios to address the unique needs and preferences of our patients, particularly those undergoing complex or extensive dental procedures. We understand that dental anxiety, fear, or specific medical conditions may make it challenging for some individuals to receive dental care comfortably. General anesthesia provides a solution by allowing patients to undergo dental treatment while in a state of unconsciousness.
Our highly trained and experienced dental team, in collaboration with certified anesthesiologists, ensures the utmost safety and comfort during the administration of general anesthesia. This approach involves carefully monitoring vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, throughout the procedure. Patients are continuously monitored to ensure their well-being, allowing our skilled dental professionals to focus solely on the dental treatment.
Dr. Michael Tsai, Dr. Nicholas Maniatis, and their team of surgical and anesthetic staff have expertise at providing oral surgical treatment while keeping you safe and comfortable through various levels of sedation.
The level of sedation which may be appropriate for you is determined by: how anxious you are towards treatment, how healthy you are, and the complexity of the procedure.
- Anxiety Support (Nitrous Oxide, also known as Laughing Gas) - This form of sedation helps provide gentle support for mild anxiety during a procedure while keeping you fully awake. The effects of the gas leaves the body by the time you leave the surgical suite. This option is generally more appropriate for patients who are fairly comfortable with awake dental procedures in the past and are interested in same day consultation and treatment.
- “Awake” Conscious Sedation (Oral Medication +/- Nitrous Oxide) - You will be prescribed triazolam (Halcion) which you can take 60 minutes before your scheduled procedure. You will be given an extra tablet to bring with you to the office. This extra tablet can be taken on an as-needed basis. This mode of sedation allows anxiety relief for the procedure. You will be sleepy but awake enough to follow instructions during the procedure. You will most likely be able to recall your experience. Nitrous oxide can be given as an adjunct to help provide further anxiety relief.You may have a light meal on the morning of the procedure. You will need a family member/friend to drive you to the office, and drive you back home. They will need to be in the office or close by during your surgery.
- “Awake” Conscious Sedation (IV Medication) - You will be given medication through an IV line. You may feel a small pinch on the arm when we establish IV access. Once the IV is in, you will be given medication which will help with anxiety relief and help you not remember the surgery. You will be sleepy but awake enough to follow instructions during the procedure.
- You have to keep an empty stomach, which means no eating for 8 hours prior to the procedure. You will need a family member/friend to drive you to the office, and drive you back home. They will need to be in the office or close by during your surgery.
- “Sleep” Deep Sedation (IV Medication) - You will be given medication through an IV line. You may feel a small pinch on the arm when we establish IV access. Once the IV is in, you will be given medication which will help you not remember the surgery. Then you will be slowly given medication to help you fall asleep before the start of the procedure. Medication is continuously given through the IV to keep you asleep while breathing on your own without needing a breathing tube.You have to keep an empty stomach, which means no eating for 8 hours prior to the procedure. You will need a family member/friend to drive you to the office, and drive you back home. They will need to be in the office or close by during your surgery.
- “Sleep” General Anesthesia (With a Physician Anesthesiologist) - For this option, a Physician Anesthesiologist will be available for your surgery appointment. The anesthesia staff will call you before the surgery to discuss pre-Anesthesia evaluation, expectations for anesthesia recovery, and billing for anesthesia services (separate from surgery service fee).The anesthesiologist will meet you on the day of the surgery to go over pre-surgery check and take you in the surgery suite, where they will get you to sleep comfortably beginning with IV medication or anesthetic gas.
If you are in need of oral surgery, schedule a consultation today to determine what level of sedation is appropriate for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
No, you do not typically need a referral. You can directly schedule an appointment with our in-house specialists for consultations and treatments.
Our in-house specialties offer convenience, coordinated care, and a familiar, comfortable environment. You can receive comprehensive dental services from a trusted team under one roof.
Yes, you can easily request a consultation or find more information about our in-house specialties on our website or by contacting our office.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is suitable for individuals with dental anxiety, fear, or phobias, as well as those with special needs, extensive dental work, or a low pain threshold. It can also be used for patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures.
We offer various levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. The choice of sedation method depends on the patient's specific needs and the procedure's complexity.
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained and experienced dental professionals. At Light Dental Studios, our team follows strict safety protocols, and we work with certified anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety.
While sedation is generally safe, there may be mild side effects such as drowsiness, temporary memory loss, or nausea. These effects are typically short-lived and managed by our experienced team.
The coverage for sedation dentistry varies depending on your insurance plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage for sedation services.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with our doctors for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions. For any questions or concerns, please call our office.