Sedation Dentistry in San Diego| Dr. Pegah Salami

Serving San Diego County including Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Poway

Dental phobia is real. Many people avoid the dentist altogether because of extreme dental anxiety and fear. Unfortunately, this means they’re also missing out on important oral healthcare, which can affect their overall health as well. If you or someone you love suffers from dental phobia or dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the answer.

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Mon – Fri: 9AM – 6PM

What is sedation dentistry?

  • The term sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients achieve a state of relaxation during dental procedures. The medications used vary in strength and result in varying degrees of relaxation, from mildly calm and at ease to fully asleep. When it comes to everyday dental procedures for adults, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns and root canals, sedation dentistry typically stays in the mid-range, where the patient remains conscious or semiconscious but in a heightened state of relaxation. In addition to making the patient more comfortable, sedation dentistry often helps the dentist as well. By alleviating the patient’s dental anxiety, the dentist can more easily perform the necessary procedures to help the patient achieve optimum oral health.
  • If you’re looking for a compassionate, trustworthy, and highly experienced sedation dentist, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Salami is the best sedation dentist in San Diego. For sedation dentistry in Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Poway or Carmel Valley, give us a call at (858) 673-1000 to schedule a consultation today.

Types of sedation dentistry Dr. Salami offers

Dr. Salami offers two types of sedation dentistry: oral sedation and IV sedation. Both help alleviate dental anxiety and relax nervous patients so they’re  more comfortable in the dental chair. Depending on the severity of the patient’s fear and the complexity of their procedure, one may be more suitable than the other. If you are in need of sedation dentistry, Dr. Salami offers:   

  • Oral sedation

Oral sedation, also known as pill sedation or oral conscious sedation, involves a pill taken an hour or so prior to your dental appointment. In some cases, a dose may be taken the night before as well. The oral sedative is from a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines, which work by decreasing activity in the parts of the brain that control fear and anxiety. When sedated in this way, you’ll remain conscious but in a heightened state of relaxation. You’ll be able to breathe on your own and respond to verbal cues given by Dr. Salami while she performs your dental procedure. One of the perks of oral sedation is that most patients have no memory of the dental work performed. They “wake up” surprised that it’s already over. 

  • IV sedation

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, involves administration of the anti-anxiety medication directly into the bloodstream by way of an intravenous catheter. IV sedation brings the patient to a semi-conscious state, eliminating anxiety and pain while still remaining conscious enough to respond to and communicate with the dentist. Generally stronger than oral sedation, IV sedation is a good option for patients with severe dental phobia or extreme dental anxiety, as well as patients undergoing longer and more complex procedures. The amount of medication administered can be adjusted during the procedure according to the needs of the patient. The patient’s vital statistics are carefully monitored for the duration.  

Whether you opt for oral sedation or IV sedation, you will need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment. 

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858-673-1000

Pegah S. Salami, DMD, FAGD IconPegah S. Salami, DMD, FAGD

12396 World Trade Drive #208, San Diego

4.6 182 reviews

  • Avatar Rudy Rodriguez ★★★★★ 3 months ago
    A sincere pleasure to always be greeted by the outgoing staff and treated like family by Dr. Salami and her qualified staff of hygienist. I have 99 problems, but a great dentist ain’t one 👌😏
  • Avatar Michele Santellen ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    I've been coming here for over a year. I'm so so glad to have such an amazing team, that's so attuned to my needs and anxiety. Elaine is hilarious, but always professional when working. Sayeh is always sweet, leaves the best … More voice-mails, and is so happy to see everyone. The office is always clean and homey, so I'm more at ease here. I can't recommend this team more!
  • Avatar Sarah Blessing ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    I have been coming to this dental office for several years now and they always welcome me with a smile and ask me how I've been. My hygienist today, Amanda, gently walked me though the best steps for preventing gingivitis and to lessen … More bleeding gums. Even so often she'd throw in a fun fact about the mouths biology to keep me entertained while I sat there. Definitely recommend if you want a friendly and fun dental clinic.
  • Avatar DaShawn Johnson ★★★★★ 3 months ago
    Love love love this place! Professional' experienced and experts! I had a phobia as a young girl but now I'm semi over it and they helped me relax. My teeth are getting more healthy with each visit!

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