What is sedation dentistry?
Who is sedation for?
Sedation Options
What does sedation feel like?
What is oral conscious sedation process?
What is IV and deep conscious sedation process?
What happens after the appointment?
Is it Safe?
What if I am embarrassed?

• I'm afraid of the dentist;
• I've had bad experiences at the dentist
• I just can't get comfortable in the dental chair
• I've always hated the sounds and the smells at the dentist
• I can't sit still when I'm at the dentist
• The dentist has never been able to get me numb
• I don't have time for all the appointments I know I'm going to need
• I'm just embarrassed at the condition of my smile.
• I gag every time the dentist puts anything in my mouth
• My teeth are very sensitive
• I have a real fear of needles

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Sedation Options
Dr. Shelyan is permitted by Dental Board of California and certified by Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation to keep just about any adult comfortable and relaxed through the entire appointment. Most people prefer minimal level of conscious sedation, where you are sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were snoozing.  You are awake but relaxed because do not notice what is going on around you.  When this is done with a few small pills, it is called oral conscious sedation. Moderate level uses medication orally or intravenously (IV) and patient still responses to verbal stimuli. Deep sedation uses medication orally, by injection, or both in combination with gases.  We do this with the help of anesthesiologist.  Feel free to discuss this option with Dr. Shelyan or any member of our team.
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What does sedation feel like?
A sedation appointment feels calm and peaceful, and is probably completely unlike any other experience you've had at the dental office.  Patients tell us that they knew they are getting dental treatment, but did not hear the sound of drill, feel the anesthesia, smell of the dental office, totally great experience.   After the appointment most people have little or no memory of the visit - as if it was a dream, and they can't quite remember the details.
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What is oral conscious sedation process?
Oral conscious sedation is the most common and a great option for many healthy adults.  After a thorough health assessment, Dr. Shelyan uses some very safe, gentle medication in the form of a small pill.  Patients can be comfortably sedated with just one or two pills!
You will be prescribed or we supply you with a small pill to take the night before and an hour before your appointment.  Your companion will bring you to the office, where we will start monitoring your vital signs. Then we will assess whether you need any more medication.  Once you are relaxed comfortable in the dental chair, we'll cover you with a warm blanket.  We'll begin the dentistry once you are totally relaxed.  Before you know it, the appointment will be over!
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What is IV and deep conscious sedation process?
IV sedation uses an IV needle and line in your arm or hand to administer the sedative medications. The disadvantage is the needle itself and bruising that is not a relaxing experience.  If the patient chooses to be asleep for the whole dental procedure, deep sedation will be applied.  During deep sedation, Dr. Shelyan will perform all the dentistry while a certified anesthesiologist provides the sedative medications and monitors the vital signs to provide a safe and comfortable experience.  This is all done right in our office at Forever Smile Dental care, so there's no need for an extra appointment or to go to another office. Some patients find that this method makes sense for them.  We'll discuss all the options with you, and help you to make the choice that is right for you.
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What happens after the appointment?
It's likely that you'll still feel a little sleepy.  We'll keep monitoring you until we know you are ready to leave the office, and your companion will drive you home.  You'll need to take it easy for the rest of the day, and for safety reasons, your companion will be instructed to keep you company that day.  You may want to rest, and you certainly won't be driving nor doing anything that requires your full concentration.  Feel free to eat and drink all you want because this will probably make you feel better.  The day after the appointment will just be a regular day.  The only unusual thing is that you may remember little or nothing from your dental visit - you'll just have a great new smile.
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Is it Safe?
Yes; considering that we will take all the necessary assessments, monitoring, and precautions individually for each patient, the medications that we use are extremely safe.  Our whole team has been trained to care for sedation patients, and we will be monitoring your vital signs continuously the entire time you are in the office.
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What if I am embarrassed?
There is no need to be embarrassed anymore.  No one here will criticize you or give you a lecture about the condition of your teeth.  We see people like you every day, good people who for one reason or another, have been unable to get the care they need.  We're just glad you found us.
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