What is conscious sedation dentistry and how does it work?
Oral conscious sedation (also referred to as oral sedation) is a safe, needle-less sedation method. We will give you a small pill to take prior to your appointment. This pill will relax you and make you drowsy, so someone will need to drive you to and from you appointment. Once you arrive in our office, we will make every effort to make you comfortable before beginning treatment. We will provide a pillow, blanket, or you may bring your favorite music to make you feel more relaxed and at home. Oral Sedation will mimic the feeling of sleep, however you will be able to answer any questions and respond to directions given by Dr. Marcarian. We will monitor you using a pulse oximeter, and someone will be there with you throughout your visit. You will never be alone during your sedation dentistry visit. When your treatment is complete we will gently wake you, and you will have little or no memory of your dental visit.

Oral sedation safely and painlessly eliminates the anxiety for many who have difficulty getting numb, strong gag reflexes, or are uncomfortable with the tastes, smells and sounds associated with dental treatment.

What are the benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are many benefits to conscious sedation dentistry. The primary benefit for conscious sedation dentistry is anxiety elimination. Patients who are afraid of the dentist can now receive vital dental care without the fear. If you are afraid of needles, or if the sounds, tastes, and smells of dental treatment make you uncomfortable, oral conscious sedation will change the way you view the dentist's office.

Oral sedation dentistry also has many benefits for patients who don't suffer from dental phobia. If you have difficulty getting numb, sensitive teeth, bad gag reflexes, complex dental treatments, or limited time to complete dental treatment, oral sedation may be your answer. Because you are relaxed and unaware of dental procedures, years of dental care often requiring six to eight appointments may be completed in as little as one or two visits.

Will I feel any pain during my sedation procedure?
No, you should not feel anything during your treatment.

Will I be unconscious?
Yes, but you will be in a deeply relaxed state. Although you may or may not be aware of your dental treatment, you will be responsive.

How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, you may be in a relaxed state for two to six hours.

Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes. Due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is very safe. Excellent candidates for oral conscious sedation dentistry are patients who have:

• High fear level
• Difficulty getting numb
• Very sensitive teeth
• Limited time to complete dental care
• Strong gag reflexes
• Complex dental problems
• A fear of needles and shots
• Anxiety about the sounds, smells, and tastes associated with dental treatment

When can I go home?
Almost as soon as your treatment is complete your companion can return you to your home where you can finish your relaxing day.

How will I feel after my appointment?
You will feel as if you slept through your dentist appointment. Most patients who choose oral sedation dentistry say I remember taking some pills, and the next thing I remember, my appointment was over. Most patients recall little or nothing about the treatment itself.

How can I learn more about oral conscious sedation dentistry?
Patients who are interested in sedation dentistry and would like to learn more should contact Gevik Marcarian, D.D.S., Inc. Our office will be happy to further explain the process, including all risks and benefits. We are happy to assist patients with a fear of dental treatment. Many of our patients who visit us travel from outside of California for our comfortable, pain and anxiety free approach to dentistry. We will not perform any treatment until you understand and are comfortable with the procedure.

Auricular Acupuncture for Dental Anxiety
Acupuncture is a 5,000-year-old therapeutic modality recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of virtually any form of medical condition. It has been used to promote natural healing and circulation among a long list of other benefits. Acupuncture also has been used to subside the gag reflex of dental patients and may eliminate dental anxiety. If you have dental anxiety and would like an alternative to sedation; acupuncture may be right for you.
http://www.acupuncture4pain.com/news-2001-06acu.asp

Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy uses basic relaxation techniques to reduce, even eliminate anxiety before your dental appointment, and it keeps you relaxed and calm during treatment. Hypnotherapy is beneficial in elimination of tension, fear of pain, bruxism, gagging and other related issues. Fears and perception of pain are rooted subconsciously and hypnosis is the most direct access to the subconscious mind.

Hypnosis is a natural and safe state, a simple human process that we all do every day without realizing it. If you “zone out” watching a movie, if you escape into music or a good book and let the world drift away, that is hypnosis. The state of hypnosis is an altered state of awareness with your physical body relaxed and your mind focused.

Anja Nielsen, CHT is a certified hypnotherapist and an honor graduate from Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the first nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy. She is a former Registered Dental Assistant and specializes in dental anxiety.

www.tranquilitymindcoach.com
Contact: achievegoals123@yahoo.com
Phone: 818.515.7609