Keeping every patient safe, comfortable and pain-free is a major priority in our dental practice for every service we offer. For those patients who are anxious or are undergoing long procedures, we are also able to offer IV moderate sedation, also known as ‘twilight’ sedation.
To be clear, moderate sedation does not induce literal sleep, though you will still feel thoroughly relaxed, comfortable and secure during your dental treatment. Though able to respond to verbal and physical stimuli, you will have little memory of the procedure when it’s over. This ‘forgetting’ is a hallmark of IV moderate sedation and a favorable experience.
In cases requiring deeper sedation, we will secure the services of a licensed Dental Anesthesiologist who has worked with us for years.
Relatively few other dental practices are certified to provide IV moderate sedation services. (Oral surgeons and periodontists do, of course, but these are not general or cosmetic dentists.) Both Dr. Pinar and Dr. Wagner have completed their training and earned their Comprehensive Moderate IV Sedation Certification from the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry, one of the best and most comprehensive courses in the country. Furthermore, both are certified by the Dental Board of California; Dr. Pinar (certification # SM156) and Dr. Wagner (certification # MS157). Likewise, appropriate staff have completed their clinical assistant training programs as well.
We do require a Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation appointment to review your medical history as well as inform you of your sedation options and have you sign the paperwork. Here we’ll also coordinate important details for the procedure appointment day – what to eat or drink (and what to not eat or drink), what to wear, and what your driver home (which is required ) needs to know.
