Dental Sedation and Anesthesia
Nearby Honolulu
Sedation Options provided by Dr. Haruki
and Dr. Oishi
in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center
 At Pacific Maxillofacial Center we understand that it can be a bit daunting to consider any dental procedure. For this very reason, we offer a variety of sedation options to our patients whenever they ask. We offer all forms of anesthesia to cover all of our patient's needs, so whether you need local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia we will be able to ensure your comfort and peace of mind.
Different Sedation Options For Different Issues
Depending on the procedure that you are undergoing and the reasoning behind your sedation, we offer several different kinds of sedation and anesthesia. Remember, at Pacific Maxillofacial Center we are licensed to administer all forms of sedation and anesthesia listed below.
Local Anesthesia
This is probably something you are already familiar with. Local anesthesia is usually a numbing agent like "Novocaine" that disrupts your ability to feel in the areas that we are working on. We place a topical agent on the skin to pre-numb the site before we apply the injection, so maximum comfort is ensured. This does not impair the patient and will wear off after several hours. This is usually used for every procedure that could otherwise cause discomfort regardless of the sedation level.
Otherwise known as "laughing gas" because of it's obvious effect on the patient, nitrous oxide does an excellent job of relaxing you. When a patient struggles with nerves, this is a perfect way to offer them a light form of sedation that works fast. The best part of nitrous oxide is that we can sober the patient very quickly once the procedure is finished by applying more oxygen to the breathing mask. If you can't find a family member or friend to drive you home, this is your best option.
Oral conscious sedation is a form of moderate sedation. With this type of sedation, you are kept conscious, but you are put in a drowsy state. Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication by mouth about an hour before your appointment. The effects of the sedation can linger for several hours after your procedure is over, so you will need to have a driver to take you home.
A deeper form of sedation than nitrous oxide, IV sedation offers a way for our patients to respond to us while we perform the procedure. Many patients report not remembering the procedure when under IV sedation. We place an IV on you, and you don't feel a thing.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
This is the deepest level of sedation that we offer. When general anesthesia is applied there will be no recollection of the procedure. Many patients prefer to be "asleep" during their procedure, and this offers exactly that experience.
Prior To Your Procedure
Make sure to let us know ahead of your procedure that you would like a particular variety of sedation. We will ask about any medications that you are taking as well as any allergies that you might have.
The Day of The Procedure
When the day of your procedure arrives there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are receiving IV sedation or deep/general anesthesia, you will need to bring a friend or family member along to drive you home. The effect of these options can take several hours to dissipate, during which time it will not be safe for you to operate a vehicle.
Dental procedures can be uncomfortable and painful. As helpful as they are to your oral health and your smile appearance, they can be difficult to go through. This is where sedation dentistry comes in. Patients need to be as comfortable as possible to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and to keep them safe. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we offer various types of dental sedation for both kids and adults.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry keeps the patient comfortable during dental procedures. It helps the patient stay calm, relaxed, and at ease, and is especially useful for patients that struggle with dental anxiety. It is also useful for situations where the dental procedure one undergoes is lengthy.
In most cases, sedation may be a kind of light anesthesia that allows you to still be awake while the procedure goes on, all while still feeling very relaxed. This is why some experts call it twilight sleep or conscious sedation dentistry.
Dental Sedation Options
There are different options available for sedation dentistry in the industry. The most common is laughing gas. It is often inhaled through a mask or nosepiece, with the calming effects occurring in a matter of minutes.
Another common option is oral sedation, which is given in the form of oral medication. It is often given in pill form, typically an hour before the actual start of the procedure. Even though the oral sedation might have you falling asleep, you will still be able to communicate with the dentist if necessary.
A third option is intravenous or IV sedation. This is the deepest form of conscious sedation that one might receive in a dental office setting. Here, the medication is delivered straight into your bloodstream through an IV line.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Toddlers?
Concerns about the safety of sedation dentistry, especially for children or toddlers, are normal. However, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe for children in most cases. Furthermore, any dentist will be able to ascertain the levels and sedation options that would be safe.
Can I Eat Before Sedation Dentistry?
Even though sedation dentistry will still have you staying awake even during the surgery, it is advisable to not eat before the surgery. In most cases, patients are advised to not eat up to six hours before the actual appointment. This will ensure the sedatives take effect fully, and that the patient does not struggle with nausea. One should, however, be able to drink clear liquids before the visit.
Can I Drive After Sedation Dentistry?
The safety of the patient, before, during, and after the actual surgery, is of utmost importance. Some of the sedatives used in sedation dentistry are very strong, especially when IV sedation is used. It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours for the sedation to fully wear off before driving again.
Maybe you have questions about sedation dentistry. If so, at Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we will always be available to provide you with answers. Call 808-585-8455 to set up an appointment with us today.
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