Dr. Tehrani has 10 years experience in sedation dentistry.  Dr. Tehrani is licensed in sedation dentistry.  She has received a certification from the Dental Board and must take 24 hours of continuing education each year. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:

• Have high anxiety or fear about dental visits
• Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Need wisdom teeth removed
• Have difficulty getting numb
• Have strong gag reflex
• Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
• Are afraid of needles
• Have sensitive teeth
• Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
• Have busy schedules and need dental visits combined into fewer appointments

IV Conscious Sedation

IV conscious sedation uses the same class of sedative medications as with Oral Conscious Sedation, but the medications are administered intravenously. This allows a faster response time for the medications and provides ability to better modify the level and length of sedation. As with oral sedation, IV sedation leaves you conscious and able to respond, but sedated so that you have little or no memory of your dental visit and none of the anxiety normally associated with that visit. Sedation patients often describe feeling like they "slept" through the appointment. IV conscious sedation is more effective than laughing gas alone and makes the visit easier for both you and your doctor.

How do the sedation medication work?

Sedative medications reduce your brain's ability to feel anxiety or nervousness. At the same time, these medications have no significant effects on you heart or your ability to breathe. For these reasons, these medications have proven to be effective and safe.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. We carefully monitor all sedated patients with computerized monitoring equipment specifically designed for this purpose. We are constantly aware of your needs as we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and other signs of comfort.

Can you do multiple procedures while I'm sedated?

In a word: yes! Conscious sedation often makes your dental visit easier both for you and your dentist. While sedated, we can correct dental problems that might have been present for many years. This includes crowns, fillings, root canals, removal of wisdom teeth, treatment for gum disease and cosmetic dental procedures. Your appointment can be as short as an hour or two or can extend to several hours - whatever is necessary to meet your individual treatment plan. Some patients have found it to be easier and more convenient to accomplish multiple dental procedures during one dental visit using conscious sedation.

 Is it OK to drink alcohol or take other drugs prior to my appointment?

No! Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs can cause serious problems when combined with the sedative medications we use. You must inform us of any medicines or drugs that you are taking, whether prescription, over-the -counter, or herbal, so that we can safely plan your sedation.

Do medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., affect my ability to be sedated for my dental care?

Such conditions are examined on a patient-by-patient basis. In most cases, we can complete your dental care utilizing the benefits of sedation. If necessary, we can contact your physician to clarify the extent and severity of any medical conditions you may have. 

Will I feel sick as a result of the sedation after my appointment?

No, it is extremely unusual to experience sickness following sedation. The medications that we use to sedate you don't generally cause nausea or vomiting. We will monitor you and can administer additional medications if needed.

What is the best time of day to schedule my sedation appointment?

We recommend that you schedule your appointment as early in the day as possible if you are going to be sedated. You must avoid all eating and drinking for 8 hours prior to your appointment (unless you have been given special instructions from us). If your appointment is scheduled early, you will spend less time awake feeling hungry and thirsty.

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of my dental care and sedation?

It depends on the provisions of your individual policy, most insurance plans provide coverage for only minimal levels of dental care. In our experience, dental insurance will provide little or no coverage for dental care involving fillings, cosmetic changes, crowns, surgery, root canals and treatment of gum disease. Many companies provide no coverage for the sedation itself. Those dental procedures that are covered are often subject to deductibles and small annual benefits.