Ikuta D.D.S

Sleep dentistry is beneficial to people who have severe anxiety about going to the dentist. Visiting a dentist is part of maintaining overall good health, but due to the stress that many people feel when going to the dentist, they may avoid them altogether. In order to make trips to the dentist less stressful, sleep dentistry has become more popular.

There are three different types of sedation dentistry used in at our practice:

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is the lightest form of sedation used in our office. The use of this non-toxic gas gives you a sense of relaxation. This form works very quickly and it can be easily controlled. Plus, this form of sedation has very few side effects, so you can safely drive to and from your appointment.

Oral sedation is a stronger form of sleep dentistry. With oral sedation, we will provide you with an oral medication that you need to take approximately one hour before your visit. Oral sedation provides a very strong calming effect, which will keep you relaxed during the exam or procedure. Oral sedation also has an amnesic affect, so you will remember very little, if anything, about the visit or procedure once the medication has worn off. Because of the strong effect of this medication, you will need to have someone who can safely drive you to and from your appointment.

The third sedation option that we offer in our office is called conscious sedation. This form of sedation is administered in pill form before the procedure. The sedative will provide you with a state of deep relaxation and you may tend to drift in and out of sleep. This form of sedation allows you to talk and be aware of what’s happening, but you will be completely relaxed and feel no anxiety. Many patients find that they need to take a nap afterwards so it is important that you have someone who can drive you home after your appointment.

If you are one of the many people who suffer from a fear of going to the dentist, please contact Ikuta Smiles serving Fresno and Reedley, California today for a free consultation. We can help you choose the best option for you needs and help you feel more comfortable coming to dental appointments.