Sedation Dentistry in Glendale CA
Fear of dental visits means different things to different people. It may be the idea that the smells and sounds of the dental office bring back memories of a bad experience as a child. Or, you may be anxious because you think your treatment will hurt.
We understand that your dental anxiety can make it difficult to get the care you need to maintain good oral health. Our goal is to make high-quality dental treatment easy by reducing your level of stress with sedation dentistry in Glendale.
Part of helping you conquer your anxiety is providing gentle, compassionate care. We know how your fearful feelings can be overwhelming, and we’ve all been there. We’re sensitive to your feelings and will do everything to support you and make your dental care as stress-free as possible.
Before we plan any treatment, we will talk to you about your concerns and discuss your sedation options. Together we will choose the type of sedation that is tailored to fit your situation.
Dental Anxiety Management in Glendale, CA
We administer sedatives like anti-anxiety medication through oral or intravenous methods. Sedatives can be administered in various doses and degrees, and we will tailor your sedation accordingly.
You may require only light sedation, which is often enough to bring about a very calm and relaxed state. If you have more severe anxiety, we can choose a deeper dose of medication.
With sedation, you may have no memory of the procedure at all. Of course, we always start with local anesthesia to reduce any physical discomfort that you may experience.
For those with a very high level of anxiety, IV sedation may be the best choice. This is especially helpful if we’re planning multiple procedures or more complex treatment like tooth extraction.
With IV sedation, you remain awake but will feel very calm and comfortable. You will feel the effects of IV sedation quickly, and we'll monitor you closely so that we can adjust the degree of sedation as needed during treatment.
Coping With Dental Anxiety
Every person is unique and responds differently to visits to the dentist. We take your feelings seriously because we want you to feel good about taking care of your oral health.
An important part of providing sedation dentistry at our Glendale dental office includes helping you understand the ways we can help you calm your stress. To do this, we’ll talk to you about your concerns and try to figure out exactly what it is that causes you to be apprehensive.
Communication is essential, and we’ll take all the time you need until we know you’re comfortable receiving treatment. Dr. Kim and our professional team are caring and compassionate and will be there to support you throughout your procedure.
Call Your Glendale Dentist
You don’t have to let dental anxiety control your life. We’re here to ensure that every visit with us is pleasant and stress-free, and sedation dentistry helps us accomplish that goal. If you’d like to learn more about our sedation options, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Glendale
Dental anxiety is extremely common. This is why we offer sedation dentistry for the comfort of our patients. The benefits of sedation dentistry include:
Anxiety Reduction
Sedation helps patients feel calm and relaxed during their dental procedure, making treatment more comfortable and less stressful.
Pain Management
Sedation minimizes a person’s discomfort during treatment, which can be especially helpful during more complex or longer procedures.
Time Efficiency
Dentists are better able to finish multiple procedures in one visit, as it is easier for sedated patients to undergo longer treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you feel fear or anxiety about going to the dentist, the first thing you should know is that you're not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with these fears, and unfortunately, it keeps many people from visiting the dentist and getting the care they need.
The good news, however, is that it doesn't have to be this way! Dental technology has streamlined procedures over the years, making dentistry much more efficient and comfortable for patients. Many dentists also offer options for sedation that can help patients relax and feel at ease during their dental visits.
Glendale, CA sedation dentist Dr. Lucio Kim offers different levels of sedation that we can tailor to your specific needs.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This is sedation delivered orally through a pill taken one hour before your dental treatment. The medicine offers a level of sedation that may make you feel as if you're completely relaxed and sleeping throughout your procedure, yet you'll still be responsive to Dr. Kim. However, the nature of the medication is amnesic, so you won't remember most of what went on during your dental procedure.
If you choose oral sedation for your dental treatment, we require you to have transportation arranged to and from your appointment as you will not be able to drive yourself afterward. Therefore, it would be best if you also planned to relax after your procedure and not return to work until the following day.
IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers medication intravenously, which allows us to adjust to the levels of medication needed throughout your procedure. A nurse anesthetist oversees IV sedation and monitors your heart rate and vital signs the entire time.
IV sedation offers the deepest level of sedation available and is ideal for these situations:
- Patients with severe anxiety or dental phobia
- Those who have multiple complicated treatment procedures they'd like to complete during one appointment
- Patients with special needs
- Patients who struggle with a bad gag reflex
- Those who have trouble sitting for long periods
IV sedation is a deeper level of relaxation, and you should allow yourself plenty of recovery time afterward and make arrangements for transportation to and from your appointment.
IV sedation is also a great way to get the treatment you need to protect your smile without having to endure the fear and anxiety you feel about visiting the dentist.
Contact Your Glendale Sedation Dentist
If you struggle with dental phobia, Dr. Kim would love to talk with you about your options for using dental sedation to get the dental care you need and deserve.
Contact our Glendale dental office today at (818) 242-3739 for more information about dental sedation.
Many patients and situations can benefit from sedation dentistry. Let’s explore a few reasons to consider dental sedation in Glendale, CA.
#1 Easy Gag Reflex
If you gag or cough easily during dental treatment, sedation dentistry can relax this reflex, allowing you to get the treatment you need more comfortably.
#2 Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety prevents many people from getting necessary dental care. Sedation dentistry makes it much easier to feel relaxed when visiting the dentist.
#3 Multiple Dental Treatments
Undergoing multiple dental treatments can leave you feeling anxious. Dental sedation makes the time go by much faster. You’ll likely not even remember the details!
Sedation Dentistry in Glendale, CA
We offer oral and IV sedation to meet your needs. The dentist will have you come in for a consultation to determine the best option for your needs. This visit also ensures your candidacy for sedation dentistry.
Oral sedation is a pill given before treatment. This pill promotes extreme relaxation. IV sedation is delivered intravenously and takes effect much faster.
With sedation dentistry, you’re unlikely to recall your dental procedure!
Contact a dental team member today to learn more or schedule a consultation with the dentist.
We help our patients finance dental care through in-office financing and CareCredit. Ask us for details.
Sedation dentistry in Glendale, CA, is any relaxant or pain reliever your dentist provides to ensure a more comfortable dental treatment.
Dental sedation can be adjusted to fit a particular situation or sedation goal for the patient.
Types of Dental Sedation We Offer
Our dental sedation options may be a sedative or pill given before treatment or an IV administered in our dental office.
Oral or pill sedation can be adjusted and may cause you to forget your treatment entirely.
IV sedation is similar but produces more powerful relaxation and starts working almost immediately.
With sedation dentistry, it’s crucial that you not drive on the day of treatment or make any big decisions.
No matter the sedation option you choose, you can count on our team to monitor your vitals closely during the treatment. Additionally, the dentist takes a health history, including a list of current medications and conditions, before approving you for dental sedation.
Would You Like to Learn More about Sedation Dentistry?
Your Glendale dentist can consult with you about sedation dentistry and plan your treatment accordingly. To learn more or to book a consultation with the dentist, contact a helpful dental team member today.
Ask us about CareCredit and in-office financing!
Sedation dentistry does not render you unconscious but is the next best thing. You’ll be in a hazy state—able to respond to the dentist but remiss to recall your treatment afterward.
Sedation dentistry is like being in a twilight or ‘low light” state of relaxation. You’ll not mind that you’re having a dental procedure and be somewhat unaware.
Options for Sedation Dentistry in Glendale, CA
Our sedation options mean you should not drive or operate heavy machinery on the day of treatment. We also recommend not making any critical decisions until the next day.
Before treatment, your dentist will take a health history to determine whether sedation dentistry is safe for you. Additionally, we monitor you constantly while you’re under sedation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a pill that promotes detachment and relaxation. It is administered before your procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is delivered intravenously and produces similar feelings. However, IV sedation takes hold much quicker than oral sedation.
Contact Your Sedation Dentist in Glendale, CA Today
Sedation dentistry makes your appointment more relaxing. To learn more about our options or to book a consultation with the sedation dentist, contact a friendly dental team member to get started.
Talk to us about in-office financing or CareCredit.
Well, for one, you aren't the only one.
We Get to Know You First!
The majority of patients either don't like going to the dentist or really really don't like going to the dentist. What makes a difference is Dr. Kim talking with you and finding out more about you and what he can do to make you feel more comfortable. Nothing should hurt with dentistry nowadays. By taking any dental treatment slowly, Dr. Kim is usually successful at "rehabbing" patients back into regular maintenance care.
We Help Quell Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry in Glendale
Now if that doesn't do it for you, then Dr. Kim does offer sedation options in order to get the work done properly and comfortable for you while taking your mind and fears out of the equation. Either "oral" sedation or "IV" sedation with a licensed anesthesiologist. Call the office for a meet and greet consult to chat with Dr. Kim about the options.
Meet Our Doctor:
Lucio H. Kim DDS
Dr. Kim obtained his Bachelors of Science degree at UC San Diego in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Kim attended dental school at the University of Southern California.
After obtaining his DDS at USC, Dr. Kim went on to complete a residency at the highly competitive UCLA Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) postgraduate program, where he focused on reconstructive, restorative, and implant dentistry.
He has also received advanced training for dental implants at the Misch International Implant Institute and at the Global ...
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