Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontics
Dental Implants
Honolulu Family, General, Sleep, Cosmetic Dentistry - Hawaii
Family Dentistry
615 Piikoi Street, Ste 1404 A,  Honolulu, Hawaii  96814
"Best Family Dentist"
Honolulu Weekly, 2000
USC Dental School
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1991
Hawaii Dental
House of Delegates
"Top 40 Under 40"
Pacific Business News, 2003
American Dental
Association (ADA)
Aloha Medical
Mission
Society of
Dental Hypnotherapy
Hawaii Dental
Association (HDA)
EXCEL Dental Club
Dr. Le is the absolute
best family dentist in
Hawaii. My family and I
are fortunate to have
found such a wonderful
dentist.  She is friendly,
accomodating, gentle,
and conservative. We
feel she always has our
interests at heart. We
highly recommend her
for your family as well.

Dr. Alan Cheng
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Do you have difficulty visiting your dentist on a regular basis because of fear or anxiety?  Many
individuals are fearful of the dental office environment when sitting in a dental chair. Sedation
dentistry is a method that is used by a growing number of dentists to help relax and soothe
such patients.

Because many individuals avoid regular dental care because of such fear they often suffer from
poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, and periodontal gum disease. Dentists using sedation techniques
that help to calm and soothe anxiety may help prevent such complications.

Common Sedation Methods:

  • Inhalation or oral sedation (no needles)
  • IV sedation (intravenous, with needle)
  • Nitrous oxide
  • General anesthesia

Oral or inhalation and IV sedations involve the use of medications that are taken prior to the
dental appointment to help calm and relieve anxiety. They don't alleviate pain, so local
anesthetic may need to be administered depending on the type of treatment being performed.  

Nitrous oxide, also commonly known as laughing gas, is used to help induce an enhanced
state of relaxation that reduces anxiety and fear. As with oral, inhalation or IV sedations, local
anesthetics may need to be administered to alleviate pain.

General anesthesia produces a state of general unconsciousness on the part of the patient.

Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?

Anyone who avoids regular check-ups with the dentist will benefit from sedation dentistry.
Discuss your options with your dental care provider before you decide. Those interested in
seeking the services of a dentist who provides sedation techniques should sedation dentistry
methods.


Choosing a Dentist

Don't let your fears prevent you from enjoying the benefits of good oral care. When it comes to
training, qualifications and experience, contact Dr. Joanne Le, located at 615 Piikoi Street, Suite
1404 A in Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 (808-591-2115) to discuss which sedation method might be
right for you.