There may be any number of reasons why you feel anxious when it is time for your dental appointment. Our dentist, Dr. Peter Kim, and the team at Sierra Oaks Dental understand that it is normal to feel uneasy at the dental office, so we offer sedation dentistry in Sacramento, California, to help you relax and receive the care you need. You can learn more in the links below and you can also call (916) 481-2000 to schedule your appointment today.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can keep you feeling relaxed and comfortable during even the most intense dental procedures. It involves a medication of some kind to keep your mind and body calm. We may recommend a certain type of sedation based on your needs, tolerances and preferences. At our office, we offer:

  • Nitrous oxide (N2O), also commonly known as laughing gas: Nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled through your nose during a dental procedure. You will be awake and able to respond to instructions from our dentist and team. Its calming effects can often be felt right away, and the effects wear off as soon as the flow of gas is stopped. You will be able to drive yourself home afterwards.
  • Oral sedation: Oral sedation is a medication that is taken by mouth before your treatment. The medication can keep you calm during your appointment, and it can even make you a little drowsy. The medication does not cause sleep, but you might be so relaxed that you fall asleep in the dental chair. Due to its lasting effects after your appointment is over, you will want someone to drive you home afterward.

Why Opt for Sedation Dentistry?

If you suffer from dental anxiety and keep putting off visits to the dentist because of it, sedation dentistry might be just what you need. Whether you have had negative experiences with a dentist in the past or you are worried about a particular treatment, sedation dentistry can keep you relaxed.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can make any visit to the dentist positive and even enjoyable. It can keep your mind more at ease, and it can sometimes even make you forget certain parts of your treatment you would rather not remember. Patients with strong gag reflexes or who have difficulty getting numb can also benefit from the effects of sedation dentistry.

Process of Receiving Sedation Dentistry

Please be assured that we will keep you safe throughout your entire treatment performed with sedation dentistry! We are trained to administer and monitor the sedatives we use in our office. If you are receiving an oral sedative, we will give you instructions for when to take the medication. If you are receiving nitrous oxide, we will place a mask over your nose and pay attention to your reaction to the gas, making any adjustments as needed.

Cost of Sedation Dentistry

The cost of sedation dentistry will depend on the type of sedation you are receiving, the amount of sedative that is needed and the length of treatment time during which the sedative is used. We will discuss all cost details with you prior to treatment.

If you are interested in sedation dentistry to make your next visit more pleasant, please give us a call! We can discuss your options with you.