Sedation Dentistry at iSmilespa, Santa Cruz, CA

For many individuals, the thought of visiting the dentist can evoke anxiety and fear, often leading to avoidance of essential care. At iSmilespa, we understand these concerns and place your comfort at the forefront of our mission. We offer a variety of sedation dentistry options designed to create a soothing experience. With our compassionate and skilled team by your side, we ensure that your visit is positive and stress-free from beginning to end.

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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry utilizes carefully administered medication to help patients enter a state of deep relaxation during their dental procedures. It is a safe and effective way to manage fear, anxiety, and discomfort.

It is important to understand that sedation is different from general anesthesia, which renders a patient completely unconscious. With most forms of dental sedation, you will remain conscious and able to communicate with our dental team, but you will feel completely at ease and often have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.

The level of sedation is tailored to your individual needs, ranging from a mild, anxiety-reducing state to a deeper level of relaxation for more complex procedures. This personalized approach allows us to make dental care accessible and manageable for everyone.

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Is Sedation Dentistry the Right Choice for You?

While sedation is an excellent solution for patients with dental anxiety, its benefits extend to a wide range of individuals. You may be a great candidate for sedation dentistry if you experience one or more of the following:

• Dental Anxiety or Phobia: If fear prevents you from scheduling appointments or causes you extreme distress during treatment, sedation can transform your experience.
• A Low Pain Threshold: For patients who are particularly sensitive to pain, sedation can help manage discomfort effectively, even during routine procedures.
• A Severe Gag Reflex: An overactive gag reflex can make dental work difficult and uncomfortable for both the patient and the dentist. Sedation relaxes this reflex, allowing treatment to proceed smoothly.
• Difficulty Achieving Numbness: Some individuals find it challenging to achieve adequate numbness with local anesthetics alone. Sedation enhances the effectiveness of anesthetics and ensures you remain comfortable.
• Need for Extensive Dental Work: If you require multiple or lengthy procedures, sedation allows you to remain comfortable in the dental chair for an extended period, enabling our team to complete more work in a single visit.
• Restlessness or Difficulty Sitting Still: Sedation can be beneficial for patients who have trouble staying still, ensuring a safer and more efficient treatment process.
• Traumatic Past Dental Experiences: Negative experiences in the past can create lasting anxiety. Sedation helps you create new, positive associations with dental care in a supportive environment.

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Our Sedation Options at iSmilespa

We offer a range of sedation options to cater to the diverse needs of our patients. During your consultation, we will review your medical history and discuss your anxiety level to recommend the safest and most effective option for you.

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This is a very mild and safe sedative that is inhaled through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose. You will begin to feel the relaxing effects within minutes. You will feel calm and light-headed, yet remain fully awake and responsive. One of the most significant advantages of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off just as quickly once the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself home safely after your appointment.
• Oral Conscious Sedation: This method involves taking a prescribed sedative pill about an hour before your procedure. The medication will make you feel very drowsy and deeply relaxed. While you will still be conscious and able to respond to our team, you may drift into a light sleep during the procedure. You will likely have little to no memory of the treatment. Due to the lingering effects of the medication, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment.

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Your Safety Is Our Highest Priority

Your well-being is paramount during any procedure that requires sedation. Our iSmilespa team adheres to the strictest safety protocols to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

• Thorough Pre-Sedation Review: Before your appointment, we conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, including any medications you are taking and any existing health conditions. This allows us to select the most appropriate sedation method and dosage for you.
• Continuous Professional Monitoring: Throughout your procedure, our trained team will carefully monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
• Post-Procedure Care: After your treatment is complete, we will continue to monitor you until you are fully alert and able to return home. We will provide detailed after-care instructions and ensure your designated driver is present before you are discharged.

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Meet The Doctors

Dr. Michael Melek
Dr. Michael Melek is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care to the Santa Cruz community. He graduated with top honors from the University of Michigan, where he earned the Crown and Bridge award. With additional training in Implantology and Orthodontics, Dr. Melek is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Orthodontic Society.

Dr. Connor Malek
A third-generation dentist, Dr. Connor Malek, graduated with high honors from the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He has received awards in Operative Dentistry and has advanced training in Oral Surgery. Dr. Connor is skilled in all areas of dentistry, including modern cosmetic and restorative treatments, and is known for his kind and gentle approach.

Dr. Tod Anderson
With 17 years of experience, Dr. Tod Anderson recently joined the iSmilespa team. He is dedicated to providing personalized dental care that meets each patient's unique needs, delivering high-quality restorations to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

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Payment and Insurance

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, checks, and cash. Financing options are available through Cherry Financing and CareCredit. We are in-network with many dental insurance plans, so contact us to verify your coverage.

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Contact Information:

iSmilespa
3337 Mission Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: (831) 462-6500