Depending on the level of anxiety a patient is experiencing and the required treatment diagnosed by Dr. Cameron Torabi, sedation can vary by many levels. From the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, for simple calming of the nerves to general anesthesia in a highly monitored setting, Dr. Torabi and his team will assist you in determining the level of sedation that is right for you.
The strength levels of sedation are as follows:
Anxiolysis
The lowest level of sedation, designed to eliminate anxiety or slight nervousness. The patient is completely alert and awake at this level. Usually administered by nitrous oxide, anti-anxiety medication, or a light dosage of oral conscious sedation.
Mild Conscious Sedation
With a very mild form of oral conscious sedation, a patient can take care of many cosmetic or restorative dental procedures in just one visit. With mild conscious sedation, patients generally do not have amnesia and remember treatment, but are still rested and do not feel any discomfort. Mild conscious sedation is usually administered through oral conscious sedation, a small pill taken before treatment.
Conscious Sedation
The most commonly performed level of sedation in dentistry. A perfect level of sedation meant to complete just about any cosmetic, restorative, implant or complicated dental procedure. Patients will be conscious, but will feel as though they have been asleep and will awaken with little to no memory of the experience. Conscious sedation is delivered either through oral or IV sedation.
Deep Sedation
For very nervous patients, a higher level of conscious sedation, called deep sedation, may be used. With deep sedation, a patient will not be able to respond to commands and may need an extra level of monitoring, particularly with breathing. Deep sedation is usually administered through IV, as oral sedation may not be enough to sedate very anxious patients.
General Anesthesia
The highest form of sedation, where a patient is completely put to sleep and fully monitored to ensure safety. The same level of sedation as used in hospitals, general anesthesia is reserved for very complicated dental procedures that could not be completed otherwise.
Talk to Dr. Torabi to determine the level of sedation that’s right for you. Call us today to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation.
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Our office is conveniently located in Brentwood, California-providing sedation, cosmetic, Implant dentistry & orthodontics to clients in West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westwood and Santa Monica.