Seattle Sedation Dentistry • Nearby Summit Dental Care

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist Seattle, WA

Why We Offer Sedation Dentistry In Seattle

Sedation dentistry involves the use of certain medications to relax you during your dental appointment. Sedation can be used for everything from a simple tooth cleaning to more complex dental procedures. The type of sedation you receive depends on your circumstance and the procedure you need. Ultimately, your fears and anxiety need to be managed so you can receive the proper dental care at our Dental Office Seattle Wa. With sedation dentistry, there is no longer a reason for you to avoid going to the dentist.

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Most patients with dental phobias will qualify for sedation dentistry. Your overall health, including any physical and mental conditions, must be addressed before you receive sedation. Illnesses like diabetes, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, and hypertension may need special considerations. In some cases, you may need clearance from your general physician before undergoing sedation dentistry.

To determine if you are a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry, NamThien Vu, DDS will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical assessment. Sedation dentistry is most appropriate for people who have severe dental phobias that truly prevent them from receiving dental care. It may also be suitable for patients with sensitivity issues, a strong gag reflex, and a low tolerance for pain. It is also recommended for patients that need a large amount of dental work.

In some circumstances, we may recommend sedation for children who are scared of going to the Dentist Office Near Me Seattle Wa. There are several steps you as a parent can take to reduce these fears. If they persist, we may suggest oral sedation or nitrous oxide.

Dental sedation is a safe and convenient option for children and adults alike. At Summit Dental Care, we take the necessary steps and proper precautions before administering any form of sedation. During the sedation process, we also monitor your vital signs to ensure you or your child’s safety. Our team is highly-skilled, trained, and qualified by the American Dental Association (ADA) to administer several types of sedation.

Types of Sedation

There are four types of sedation offered in dentistry:
• Minimal Sedation. This type of sedation, also known as enteral or oral sedation, usually comes in the form of a pill or liquid.
• Moderate Sedation. This type of sedation, also known as conscious sedation, may cause you to have difficulty speaking or remembering the procedure afterward. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is the most common form of moderate sedation.
• Deep Sedation. This type of sedation, also known as IV sedation, is injected directly into the vein. It allows you to maintain consciousness while producing an amnesiac effect.

Enteral (Oral) Sedation

Enteral or oral sedation is used to sedate a patient while maintaining consciousness and all body functions. You will be able to respond to stimulus and answer questions. You may experience some minor amnesia after the procedure. Oral sedation is delivered through prescription tablets and is stronger than nitrous oxide. The benzodiazepine medication family is most commonly used for this type of sedation. Oral sedation is meant to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. The pill is usually taken about an hour before your procedure. Most patients report feelings of drowsiness, grogginess, and relaxation.

Enteral sedation is also easy to administer, easy to monitor, and cost-effective. Along with nitrous oxide, it is one of the safest forms of sedation. Most patients respond well to oral sedation, especially younger children.

After your procedure, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You should not operate a motor vehicle after enteral sedation. Be sure to arrange a ride to and from your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, also commonly referred to as laughing gas, is probably the most common form of sedation we offer. Nitrous oxide is ideal for short procedures or a tooth extraction. Nitrous oxide is given through a soft nasal mask. The gas is odorless, colorless, and fast-acting. This is a very quick and effective form of sedation that is safe for just about everyone. It is considered an effective sedative because it produces feelings of euphoria while eliminating anxiety. It Is also one of the safest sedation methods available today.

Once the procedure is complete, we turn off the nitrous oxide and administer oxygen for at least five minutes to reduce side effects. The effects of nitrous oxide will wear off within a few minutes. It is a mild sedative, so you will not need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure with this method. You should be alert and awake before you leave the office.

IV Sedation

For longer procedures that require more in-depth and complex dental work, IV sedation is a good option. A medication will be administered through an IV and the dosage can easily be adjusted throughout the treatment. It can be very powerful, but incredibly safe in a controlled environment. Vitals will be strictly monitored throughout the whole procedure.

Another type of IV sedation is the use of general anesthesia. It will produce a stronger, more profound anesthesia experience, and you will have no recollection of the procedure at all. This is usually used for the most invasive procedures like an impacted wisdom tooth removal or dental implant placement.

Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation?

Most dentists have the ability to administer minimal sedation like nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Some dentists are able to administer moderate sedation. There are only a small number of dentists who have completed the program to perform deep sedation such as IV sedation and general anesthesia.

In the case that a dentist is not qualified to administer a certain type of sedation, they will bring in a dental anesthesiologist who is specifically trained to give all types of sedation. This will ensure that you are getting the best treatment possible.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are around Seattle and concerned or have questions regarding sedation practices, at Summit Dental Care we can help answer your questions. Don’t let your dental phobias prevent you from receiving the proper dental treatment. Call 206-292-9980 to schedule your sedation dentistry in Seattle appointment today!

Seattle Dentist
Dr. Vu and the team are like family! They treat my dental needs and make me feel right at home. When I had a dental emergency they cleared out time to make sure I was taken care of. I knocked 2 teeth out in a bike accident and you can’t even tell!! They also make a great point to support the LGBTQ+ community!

- Scotty C

Dentist In Seattle
Dr. Vu and his staff are not only professional and well organized, they are also very welcoming and personable. They make you feel instantly comfortable the moment you walk in. They are a modern practice with state of the art technology and open to all clientele. Their work is fantastic and my teeth look and feel great.

- Justin P.

Downtown Seattle Dentist
Summit Dental Care: convenient location in downtown Seattle; strong online website and patient portal (e.g., appointments, dental records); reception staff, hygienist, chairside assistants - competent and professional. Most importantly, there is Summit Dental's Dr. Vu, DDS - a very skilled dental professional who seems to genuinely care about the welfare of his patients. A recent dental crisis/emergency was handled without delay; when a tooth is "making its presence known," one doesn't want to hear, "Let me see if we have any openings..."! Dr. Vu replaced my (now retired) dentist of 20+ years - it has been a wise decision to stay with the practice.

- Mark D.

Dentist Downtown Seattle
Dr. Vu is great. He and his staff are all friendly and kind, and I’ve consistently had good experiences at his office. He’s always trying to think of ways to improve patient experience- including offering noise canceling headphones for when you get fillings so you can listen to music or a podcast to distract you from the noise of the drill. Brilliant!

- Lindsay S.

Seattle Family Dentistry
I've been a patient here for 6 years now and Dr. Vu and the team continue to exceed my expectations. They do a great job of listening to you and treat you with the utmost respect. I am so happy here that I keep paying extra for an out-of-Network dental plan. My gum health has improved tremendously and I have reclaimed my smile.

- Michael Z.

NamThien Vu, DDS • Dentist Seattle • Summit Dental Care

Cosmetic Dentist in Seattle WA offering dental implants, sedation dentistry, dentures, mouthguards, tmj treatment & invisalign. Call today! (206) 292-9980

Summit Dental Care, 720 Olive Way Suite #930, Seattle, WA 98101 • 206-292-9980 • summitdentalcareseattle.com • 8/9/2024 • Page Keywords: dentist Seattle WA •

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