Relaxing Sleep Dentistry: One of Many Important Tools to Support Anxiety-Free Dental Visits at Our Office

At Dentistry for San Diego in Carlsbad, California, we specialize in advanced dentistry, including treating sleep apnea and other forms of sleep-disordered breathing. “Sleep dentistry,” however, pertains to our approach to many dental services.

Regular visits to the dentist for dental check-ups (professional exams and cleanings) are fundamental to the health of your mouth. When your mouth is healthy, it supports the health of the “rest of you.” Healthy teeth and gums facilitate critical, essential functions–from efficient chewing and proper digestion to clear speech that fosters confidence and a thriving social life. Additionally, oral conditions like advanced gum disease are associated with various systemic diseases, from poorly-controlled diabetes to cardiovascular disease.

Yet, many individuals avoid visiting the dentist regularly. Dental fear and anxiety are common problems. Without regular preventive services to, for instance, remove stubborn plaque build-up, dental disease can progress unabated. Tooth decay and periodontal disease threaten the health and appearance of the smile. These conditions can also produce pain and interfere with your day-to-day life. Dr. Fallah and his kind and skilled team address dental anxiety with relaxing and safe Conscious IV sedation.  

Sedation dentistry complements our non-judgmental and warm approach to care and our comfortable surroundings and technologies that support gentle, non-invasive dental treatments. Altogether, these techniques and tools create a relaxing and most inviting experience for our patients, even for those who are most reluctant to visit the dentist. We are privileged to treat patients who may have avoided the dentist for years. We have the great honor of instilling trust in them and getting these patients back on the “right track”–a healthy routine of regular, stress-free dental check-ups.

Sleep Dentistry: Is It Right for You?

“Sleep” dentistry simply refers to the level of relaxation induced by this form of sedation. Patients remain conscious; they are not “put under,” as with deeper forms of sedation or general anesthesia. Yet, patients may be so relaxed that they “nod off.” They are no longer concerned about their surroundings or other office stimuli that can be a source of dental fear (or “triggers”). Patients can still communicate with our team and respond to verbal cues. Those who doze off can be easily awakened. Formerly, it would have been unheard of for a patient with “dental phobia” to “doze off” in the treatment chair. They would have been too excited and upset to do so. This is the beauty of sedation dentistry. Patients remain in control, consciousness is sustained, yet they don’t have a care about the procedure or visit that can be such a source of apprehension for so many individuals.

We at Al A. Fallah, DDS, have the training and safeguards to administer sleep dentistry intravenously. Such IV sedation is delivered through a vein. It takes effect quickly, and we can easily adjust the level of sedation. Furthermore, every aspect of the process is well-planned before your visit. In consultation with you and following a thorough review of your medical history, we will determine the best sedative, dose, and method to keep you most comfortable and relaxed. Patients also appreciate that sleep dentistry supports efficient treatments and may even be appropriate for individuals undergoing complex or lengthy procedures. This approach helps minimize the time spent “chairside” and the number of return trips to our office. This is also an excellent tool for fidgety individuals or those with very sensitive teeth and/or an active gag reflex.

Although our office prides itself on a pleasant experience, we understand that many patients do not want to remember the treatment specifics. With sleep dentistry, you don’t have to! Often, patients have little to no recollection of the procedure itself and the potentially triggering sights, sounds, sensations, and smells that might go along with it.

To experience our anxiety-free approach to modern dentistry firsthand, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fallah. Our office in Carlsbad, California, can be reached at (760) 730-1600. We look forward to meeting you!