1479 Ygnacio Valley Rd #203
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Tel: 925.934.1340
Fax: 925.256.7790
Services
- Introduction
- Fillings
- Inlays/Onlays
- Veneers
- Bonding
- Bleaching
- Crowns
- Invisalign
- Dental Implants
- Bridges
- Extractions
- Sealants
- Dentures
- Nitrous Oxide
- Sedation Dentistry
Click here to read our Patient Testimonials.
A member of the California Dental Association
A member of the American Dental Association
Sedation Dentistry
If you are one of the millions of people who experience uncomfortable levels of dental anxiety or dental phobia connected with dental treatment, sedation dentistry is the answer you have been looking for.
Dr. Greenlaw-O’Toole is proud to offer the option of sedation dentistry to our patients. Sedation dentistry, also called conscious sedation or sleep dentistry, involves the use of anesthesia during dental treatment to reduce patient anxiety and help ensure complete comfort. Now, patients who have been putting off going to the dentist can receive treatment safely and comfortably using sedation dentistry.
While not actually asleep, sedation dentistry patients are in a totally relaxed state and essentially unaware of treatment. You are constantly monitored for safety throughout the treatment. You are able to respond to questions from the doctor but given your minimally conscious state, you will have virtually no memory of the procedure and experience little or no discomfort or pain.
Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Greenlaw-O’Toole to complete complex dental procedures normally requiring numerous extended visits in just one or two comfortable sittings. During your consultation with Dr. Greenlaw-O’Toole, you will be informed of the various types of sedation available.
You may be an ideal Candidate for Sedation Dentistry if you have any of the following:
- Fear or anxiety associated with dental treatment
- Dental anxiety, or dental phobia
- History of traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb
- Very sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Limited time to get your dental care completed
- Complex dental problems; or a need for surgery
- Above average disdain for “getting numb”
- Embarrassment about your teeth
- A dislike for the tastes, noises and smells associated with dental care
- In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable
- Have not received professional dental care in many years, perhaps decades
- Go from dentist to dentist, or doctors, to renew painkiller prescriptions for dental problems
- Often make and then cancel dental appointments
- Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests
Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care was anxiety or fear. That's right, not time, not money, but fear. However, dental decay and periodontal disease do not make exceptions.
Various Types of Sedation Dentistry
The determination of which type of sedation dentistry suits you depends on your level of comfort as well as your scheduled dental procedure. There are three common types of sedation dentistry:
Nitrous Oxide or “Laughing Gas” is one of the safest forms of sedation available and can take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures, even cleanings. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most feel the onset effects of nitrous oxide within minutes and these effects are usually completely reversed within about 5 minutes of gas termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely drive home or go to work right after your appointment.
Oral Sedation utilizes the oldest of all routes of drug administration, a pill taken by mouth. Safe, economical, and convenient, oral sedation when properly used can deliver a deeper relaxation state than nitrous oxide and provide some amnesiac effects. If you suffer more from the thought of coming in than actually being here, this may be the choice for you.
I.V. Sedation provides the deepest relaxation state of all three sedation dentistry options. Dr. Greenlaw-O’Toole works closely with a group of dental anesthesiologists who provide intra-venous sedative drugs which work rapidly to create a relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout treatment. Beyond creating an optimal environment for you, the patient, dentistry with IV Sedation also allows us to complete multiple procedures in one appointment without any pain to you.
