What do Horrible Bosses, Finding Nemo, and Marathon Man Have in Common?
When Sedation, Sleep Dentistry is the Right Fit
Jennifer Aniston in New Line Cinema’s Horrible Bosses, the self-centered and daughter-fearing dentist in Pixar’s animated Finding Nemo, and Dr. Szell in Paramount Pictures’ Marathon Man–in addition to several other characters in dentist-related movies—have all contributed to the trauma and horror associated with a visit to the dentist. While these examples are mainly media-induced, if you ask 20 people about their dental experiences, 8 people will tell you they are “apprehensive about dental visits,” 4 people will say they are “highly fearful,” and 1 person will say they “avoid oral health care completely.” (As researched by The National Center for Biotechnology Information)
– For years, negative dental statistics have been indicating a dangerous direction in the perception of oral health.
When people neglect their oral health, they become susceptible to oral diseases, which, in turn, may result in more serious health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and more. Click HERE to view source.
Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential to an overall healthy lifestyle. Governments worldwide have created divisions of oral health and allocated funds and manpower toward the research and technology necessary to improve upon this field. Now, a new arena in dentistry that oral health professionals are paying closer attention to is the specialty service of sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a specialty dental service that is intended to address specific concerns—such as medical issues, special needs, fear, and anxiety—that each individual patient may have concerning their dental procedures. Sedation dentistry involves the use of a relaxant or form of anesthetic that is administered by licensed professionals in a dental office setting.
– Dental patients now have the option of selecting how their dental treatment is performed, and licensed, experienced dentists are able to execute these unique requests.
Different types of sedation dentistry:
There are several types of sedation dentistry, including oral sedatives, IV (Intravenous) Sedation (Sleep Dentistry), and inhalation sedation: nitrous oxide sedation— “Laughing Gas” (Twilight Sleep).
Oral Sedatives
Generally, oral sedatives for dental work are anti-anxiety medications that the dentist prescribes the patient. The patient takes the oral sedative a couple hours before they are to receive dental treatment, and, when it comes time to filling a cavity, having a tooth extracted, or seating a crown, they feel much calmer and more at ease. Oral Sedatives falls into the category of conscious sedation dentistry.
Inhalation Sedation: Nitrous Oxide Sedation—“Laughing Gas” (Twilight Sleep):
Inhalation sedation is a dose of odorless, colorless Nitrous Oxide Sedation that the patient breathes in through a nose/mouth piece, which creates a high level of relaxation. The patient is able to undergo pain-free dental treatment while being in a sleep-like state of consciousness.
IV Sedation (Sleep Dentistry)
IV Sedation is also known as sleep dentistry. As its name expresses, the patient is completely asleep during IV sedation. IV sedation is administered by a professional, licensed anesthesiologist.
Why undergo sedation sleep dentistry?
Many people, including those with medical conditions, special needs, or high-anxiety, are unable to sit in a dental chair long enough to receive thorough dental treatment. These people are excellent candidates for Studio Dental Care’s sleep dentistry in Studio City, CA.
What is the process of sedation sleep dentistry?
The first step is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Alexander Ash in Studio City to determine what dental treatment you may need.
The duration of an individual’s sleep dentistry procedure depends on this determined scope of work. However, dental treatment under sedation sleep dentistry at Studio City’s Studio Dental care, usually takes a few hours under IV sedation. The anesthesia to produce this deep sleep-like, unconscious state is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist remains in the operatory and keeps a close, constant watch over the patient while the dentist and dental assistant(s) perform all necessary dental work.
Once the work on the patient is finished, the anesthesiologist slowly and safely lowers the amount of IV anesthesia so the patient can wake up.
IV sedation is a very safe practice when performed under the right supervision of licensed professionals.
Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about our licensed, experienced Studio City team!
Please note: if you undergo any type of sedation dentistry, you should make sure someone accompanies you to your dental appointment so you have a ride home after receiving treatment.
What types of sedation dentistry are offered in Dr. Alexander Ash’s Studio City dental practice?
Dr. Alexander Ash offers all types of sedation dentistry to his patients, and he specializes in sleep dentistry via IV anesthetic administered by an on-site licensed anesthesiologist.
Does my insurance cover sedation sleep dentistry?
Please contact our office today at to speak to someone regarding insurance and payment options!
How do I know if I am a good candidate for sedation sleep dentistry?
Don’t know if you or someone you know is a good candidate for sleep dentistry?
Call our office today at and one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you schedule a free consultation in Studio City for sedation sleep dentistry procedures.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.