Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist’s Chair?

Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist’s office? You’re not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.
For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear. Dr. A. J. Boyajian offers sedation dentistry in the Westchester and Los Angeles, CA area.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Some patients do not fall asleep, while others do. But all patients are relaxed. For more information on sedation dentistry and other services provided in our office, please call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyajian

IV Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Boyajian and his dental team are experts in IV Sedation Dentistry. Together, they help patients overcome their dental fears through Conscious Sedation Dentistry (IV Sedation Dentistry). IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what’s going on. The drugs used for IV sedation can produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much, or perhaps even nothing at all, of what happened. Dr. Boyajian will let you know how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. Until they are cleared, you will be asked to not drink alcohol, drive, or work machinery.

An IV sedation is administered by injection, either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of time it will take to complete. The onset of action is very rapid, and the sedation drug dosage is safe and tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. If you have a fear of injections, you will not be numbed until the IV sedation has fully kicked in. Dr. Boyajian will wait to begin any dental procedure until after the anesthetic has taken effect.

Dr. Boyajian and his staff are trained to recognize and notify applicable patients of all contraindications or health concerns.

Dr. Boyajian and his assistant have a Conscious Sedation Dentistry License from USC Dental School.

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

IV Sedation Dentistry

Here’s a little bit more detail on our sedation dentistry, also taken from my website www.dentalwellnessarts.com:

“Dr. Glenn L. Boyajian and his dental team are experts in IV Sedation Dentistry. Together, they help patients overcome their dental fears through Conscious Sedation Dentistry (IV Sedation Dentistry). IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what’s going on. The drugs used for IV sedation can produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much, or perhaps even nothing at all, of what happened. Dr. Boyajian will let you know how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. Until they are cleared, you will be asked to not drink alcohol, drive or work machinery.

“An IV sedation is administered by injection, either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of time it will take to complete. The onset of action is very rapid, and the sedation drug dosage is safe and tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. If you have a fear of injections, you will not be numbed until the IV sedation has fully kicked in. Dr. Boyajian will wait to begin any dental procedure until after the anesthetic has taken effect.

“Dr. Boyajian and his staff are trained to recognize and notify applicable patients of all contraindications/health concerns.

“Dr. Boyajian and his assistant have a Conscious Sedation Dentistry License from USC Dental School.”

I also have previous posts about my grandchildren, and how I was able to use IV sedation with them safely and effectively. If you have any kind of fear of going to the dentist, or fear of the whirring tools and any pain involved, try this. The appointment will whiz by!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Help for Scaredy Patients & Dental Chickens

I have been doing conscious sedation for 3 years now and I can say without a doubt that this is a wonderful benefit for my patients. It is sometimes called “Sleep Dentistry” or “Twilight Sleep”. “Why the benefit?” you ask; well, it is for the fearful patient. Even with all the improvements in the care we now have, people are still afraid. Who is eligible for this service? Surprisingly, it is most people. It can be safer to use than not to use. Because of people’s fear some emergencies are more likely to occur. Conscious sedation helps reduce the anxiety, thereby reducing risks of complications that may arise. It is also used for a patient who does not want to remember the appointment. There is a medication we use that has an amnesic effect. So, even though my assistants and myself have magnetic personalities, it can be a very easy appointment. I do not take it as an affront if you fall asleep on me and snore. Sweet dreams!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Keeping the Saw (or at least my note-taking skills) Sharp

As I mentioned before, I am licensed to perform conscious sedation. I am licensed as #517. That shows how few in this profession have that ability. Part of maintaining possession of the sedation license is keeping up with the continuing education requirements. This is different from maintaining my license to practice general dentistry. This year I will spend 3 days at my alma mater, USC (go Trojans!), to take the required courses. I can honestly tell you that I am excited to attend.

The courses will be on:

1. Physical evaluation

2. Emergency Medicine

3. Monitoring and Clinical Emergency Medicine

Rarely do you hear of dental emergencies, which is good. Most emergencies are related to patient anxiety or fear. So, by preparing and keeping my staff sharp, I feel that we will make it a safer experience for my patients. An important thing patients need to know is that conscious sedation makes it even safer for the patient. You see, if the person is not fearful throughout the procedure, there is much less stress to the body and we avoid accidents that cause emergencies. An added bonus is you will not remember the appointment.

Now repeat after me: “Dentistry can be fun!”

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Conscious Sedation in Dentistry

Working with the experts today gave me a new appreciation for their levels of professionalism. I scheduled a dental anesthesiologist for the administration and overseeing of my patients. Some people need the added support that IV sedation provides for common dental procedures. I am licensed to perform sedation, but it is always nice to have the added help on complicated cases…and with squirming youngsters!

I had two patients scheduled for treatment today; they were both small children, ages 2 and 18 months, respectively. The 2-year-old was my granddaughter, Rachel. I did not want her to associate a horrible dental experience with me, her grandfather. So Rachel received an injection in the waiting room and that was all she felt the entire appointment. No tears! Once in the treatment room I was able to perform traditional dentistry without the moving target episode. Another pleasant plus is she will not remember any of the appointment.

Please understand that dentists can perform at their best if a patient’s fear is controlled. I hope to never be a contributor to a patient’s horror stories. I still wonder if – and hope that – a completely safe drug for dentistry is in the making.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com