Sedation Options
Feeling nervous about oral surgery is completely understandable. We want you to know that your comfort is our highest priority. Whether you have mild anxiety or are preparing for a more complex treatment, we offer gentle sedation options to help you relax and feel at ease.
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Why Sedation Might Be Recommended
Many people put off important dental care because of anxiety from a past experience. We are here to change that and make sure you have a positive visit. Sedation dentistry makes it possible for you to get the treatment you need in a calm and safe environment.
We may suggest sedation if you:
- Feel anxious about dental procedures
- Are having a lengthy or complex surgery
- Have a very strong gag reflex or other specific needs
- Simply want to feel completely relaxed and at peace
Your Sedation Options
We will have a conversation with you to decide which level of sedation is right for your health and comfort. Our team will explain each choice so you can feel confident in your decision.
- Local Anesthesia: This numbs only the specific area we are working on and is used for minor procedures
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas,” this is a light and gentle sedative that wears off quickly, allowing you to be able to drive yourself home
- Oral Sedation: You take a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel drowsy and relaxed but still responsive
- IV Sedation: This is delivered through a vein, allowing for a deep state of relaxation. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward
- General Anesthesia: For the most extensive surgeries, this is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in our office. You will be completely asleep during the procedure. Our anesthesiologist, Dr. Armendariz, comes directly to the practice to provide this service.
A Focus on IV Sedation
IV sedation is a popular choice for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. It allows us to control the level of sedation with great precision, ensuring your comfort throughout the entire procedure. One of the greatest benefits is the amnesia effect, so you likely won’t remember anything from treatment.
Throughout your time with us, our experienced team will use advanced equipment to monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. We are trained to keep you safe and comfortable at every moment.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
We will provide you with a clear set of instructions before your visit to ensure everything goes smoothly. This will include guidance on when to stop eating or drinking and what to do with your daily medications.
You will need to bring a trusted companion to drive you home after your procedure. During your appointment, our team will monitor you continuously and follow strict safety protocols. We are dedicated to making sure you are safe, comfortable, and recovering well.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
You deserve to feel calm and in control of your oral health journey. Our team is here to make your experience as stress-free as possible. Take the first step toward comfortable care by reaching out to our team.
Schedule a ConsultationCommon Questions
We want to answer all your questions, so you feel completely prepared for your visit.
The type of sedation we recommend will depend on your medical history, your level of anxiety, and the procedure you are having. We will discuss all the options with you during your consultation to choose the one that is safest and most effective for you.
During sedation, our team will monitor you closely to ensure you are safe and comfortable. You will feel very relaxed and sleepy. Depending on the level of sedation, you may be able to respond to questions or you may be in a deeper state of rest. Your well-being is our primary focus.
The most common side effect is feeling drowsy for several hours after your procedure. Some people may also experience brief dizziness or nausea, but these effects usually wear off quickly. We will give you detailed post-operative instructions to help you have a smooth recovery.
Meet Your Care Team
Expert Surgeons, Compassionate Hearts
Our surgeons are more than just highly trained experts; they are dedicated caregivers who truly want the best for you.
