Eliminate Dental Fears with Dental AnesthesiaVista, CA
At North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we realize that dental fear and anxiety keeps thousands of people from getting the dental treatment they need. With dental anesthesia, we can help correct years of dental neglect in as little as one visit.
Dr. Henninger has successfully administered dental sedation to countless patients while delivering effective, long-lasting results. Patients confidently choose Dr. Henninger because he:
Is one of only five percent of restorative dentists who are certified in IV sedation.
Has full hospital privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas and at the Tri-City medical Center.
Completed a year-long residency focusing on dental anesthesia, oral surgery, and complex dental treatments.
Is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Boxer as department head and the ship’s only dentist.
Do Not Let Dental Anxiety Get in the Way
Among the sedation dentistry protocols we use are:
Local Anesthetic
A local anesthetic is a numbing agent that is applied to the soft tissues of your mouth to desensitize the area. Local anesthetic is amazingly effective for people without dental anxiety needing routine dental treatment.
Nitrous Oxide
This gas is inhaled through a mask. It leaves you feeling very relaxed, but completely conscious. After the procedure has been completed, the gas is stopped. Recovery takes a few minutes and you are left feeling refreshed.
Oral Sedation
During oral sedation, you will be given a sedative pill upon entering our dental office. When the medicine begins to take effect, you will become very calm. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure, although you will be awake the whole time.
IV Sedation
Our team will deliver sedative medication intravenously to relax you almost immediately. With IV sedation in San Diego, CA, our team will monitor your vital signs and can adjust the level of medication provided to ensure your comfort and safety. These medications produce profound amnesia and provide a high level of safety because they are reversible. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
General Anesthesia
On team are several team members who are trained and certified in general anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically used for patients with complex medical histories. In this case, a board-certified medical anesthesiologist will be present during your dental treatment. You will need a ride home after choosing general anesthesia.
At North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, our team has experience working with patients of all ages and dental concerns. From pre-cooperative pediatric patients or special needs patients to those with extreme anxiety and complex dental needs, our dental anesthesia options allow you to rest comfortably through your appointment and wake up with a new smile.
We recommend combining our dental anesthesia options with our Single Visit Dentistry for people with dental anxiety. This allows us to tailor the experience to your needs, and get you the treatment that you deserve as quickly as possible.
Patient Recommendation
Many dental surgeons are qualified to provide dental anesthesia, but dental surgeons don’t provide routine restorative dentistry. This leaves many people with extreme dental fears and anxiety without a way to get the routine dental treatment they have been putting off. In San Diego, CA dental anesthesia has allowed us to offer a stress-free and pain-free way to get the dental treatment that is needed for you to achieve total health.
Best Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients, including pediatric and special needs patients. Depending on the nature of the procedure or the patient’s comfort level, we may suggest one of the many sedation options we offer.
Those who may benefit the most from sedation include those with:
- Distressing memories of past dental experiences
- Extreme anxiety or panic attacks before dental visits
- Fear of needles or injections
- Intolerable gag reflexes
- Poor response to numbing anesthetic
- Difficulty keeping the mouth open for extended periods of time
- The need for lengthy dental procedures
- Complicated dental issues
- Need for dental surgery
- Complex medical issues or physically challenged patients
- Pre-co operative pediatric patients
Choose a Dentist Who Believes in Safety and Certification
When you need any kind of sedation dentistry, it’s crucial that you trust your dental provider. At North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, our team members have been certified in numerous types of dental anesthesia. This means you can rely on our ability to keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable throughout the sedation process.
Dr. Christopher Henninger is one of only five percent of restorative dentists certified by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology to provide IV sedation in San Diego, CA. His training included a one-year hospital-based residency that focused on dental anesthesia, providing complex dental treatment to patients with complex medical histories.
We also have a team of board-certified medical anesthesiologists that provide general anesthesia for patients with complex medical issues.
How Dental Anesthesia Works
Before your dental treatment, we will review your medical history and evaluate your dental needs. We will customize a treatment plan and outline an anesthesia plan so that you’re comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
Usually, we’ll have you complete all of the necessary forms and provide you with prescriptions the day before your dental appointment. Please read our Pre-Operative Instructions for Dental Anesthesia.
Frequently Askes Questions
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
While the effects of anesthesia wear off quickly, you will need an adult that you trust to drive you home following your procedure.
Can I eat or drink before the procedure?
Eating or drinking within 8 hours of your procedure can be dangerous. For this reason, we tell all of our patients who are receiving dental sedation to avoid eating and drinking — including water — for at least 8 hours prior to their appointment.
What is the difference between IV sedation and oral sedation?
Intravenous (IV) sedation differs from oral sedation because it’s administered through an injection, and it requires an anesthesiologist or a certified sedation dentist like Dr. Henninger. Oral sedation is supplied in pill form and usually is taken about an hour prior to your treatment.
Contact Us
North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at
1934 Via Centre Ste A
Vista, CA
92081
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