It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30% are afraid of the dentist.
Downey Endodontics is committed to making sure each and every patient has a comfortable positive dental experience. To that end he offers several safe, effective and comfortable options of sedation for the anxious, or fearful patients.

– Inhalation Sedation -Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

– Oral Sedation

– IV Sedation – Sleep Dentistry

Inhalation Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (N20) is simply a gas, which the patient can breathe in and out through their nose. Within 2 to 3 minutes of breathing the gas, the patient will experience the relaxation and pain-killing properties of the gas. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, the patient should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout their body. Often people get “giggles” (hence the name laughing gas!)

Is Nitrous Oxide safe for the dental patient?

YES, It has no color or smell and the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. There is no “hangover feeling”, and you can safely drive home and don’t need an escort.)

Which patients benefit the most from Nitrous Oxide? Any patient that feels they need a little help relaxing during their appointment

“Is Oral Sedation safe for the dental patient?”

YES, Appropriately trained dentists can use a variety of protocols customized to a patient’s physiological and pharmacological needs. A number of oral agents developed especially for these purposes, subjected to rigorous research and testing, are safe and have been used for decades. We utilize the most up to date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality sedation care: – Blood pressure – Pulse oximetry – Respiratory monitor

Which patients benefit the most from oral sedation?

Oral sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

• High dental anxiety and fear
• A severe gag reflex
• Time constraints – those who need to get more dentistry done in fewer visits
• Chronic or acute jaw soreness
• Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
• Difficulty getting numb
• A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed

IV Sedation – Sleep Dentistry

What is intravenous sedation?

Intravenous anesthesia is a safe, cost effective, and convenient means of completing dental care while you sleep. Conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia can be administered comfortably in your dentist’s office. A consultation appointment is needed so the patient and dentist can discuss all the sedation procedures.

Who should receive dental care with intravenous anesthesia?

Individuals with the following special needs are candidates for intravenous anesthesia:

• Medically Compromised
• Physically & Mentally Disabled
• Anxiety & Fear
• Local Anesthetic Allergies
• Hyperactive Gag Reflex
• Time Constraints
• Desire to be asleep during the dental procedure

Is intravenous anesthesia safe for the dental patient?

YES, Intravenous anesthesia is safe if performed by a licensed professional. That is why we use the services of a Board Certified Dentist Anesthesiologist for all of his IV sedation patient needs.

The anesthesiologists are experienced heath care providers that are residency trained in the delivery of intravenous anesthesia. They are responsible for the continuous anesthesia management, comfort, and care of the dental patient.

The anesthesiologists utilize the most up to date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality anesthesia care:

• Blood pressure
• Electrocardiography
• Pulse oximetry
• Precordial stethoscope
• Respiratory monitor