Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry at Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry
At Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety or fear can prevent many patients from getting the care they need. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, our sedation dentistry services are designed to help you feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during your visit. Our priority is to ensure that you have a stress-free dental experience, so you can maintain your oral health without worry.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is one of the most common forms of sedation. It’s a mild sedative that you inhale through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you relax and feel at ease during the procedure, but you will remain fully awake and able to communicate with our team. The effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, you'll take a prescribed sedative pill about an hour before your appointment. The pill will make you feel very relaxed and may make you drowsy, but you'll still be awake and responsive. This option is great for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a deeper form of sedation where the medication is administered through a vein. This method allows the dentist to control the level of sedation more precisely. While you won’t be fully unconscious, many patients feel so relaxed they often doze off or remember little to nothing about the procedure.
General Anesthesia
For patients with extreme anxiety, special needs, or those undergoing major dental work, general anesthesia is an option. You will be fully unconscious during the procedure and will not be aware of anything happening around you. General anesthesia requires careful monitoring and is typically used for more extensive dental surgeries.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a great solution for patients who:
- Experience dental anxiety or phobia
- Have a low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth
- Require extensive dental work in a single visit
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Have a strong gag reflex
