Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: five minutes.
Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair make you break out in a sweat? For many patients, just walking through the door makes them feel anxious.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, dental sedation can be the key to getting the care you need without fear or discomfort.
At Post Street Dental Group, we offer sedation dentistry, a safe, effective way to help you relax and get the dental care you need without fear or discomfort.
In this blog, you will learn how dental sedation works, what types of sedation are available, and how it can help turn your next dental visit into a positive and stress-free dental experience.
Table of Contents
- Types of Dental Sedation We Offer
- What Procedures Can Be Done With Sedation?
- How Sedation Dentistry Works: Step-by-Step
- Why Patients Choose Sedation Dentistry
- Book a Consultation at Post Street Dental Group
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
Dental sedation helps you relax and feel safe during dental care. It offers several levels of sedation, from nitrous oxide to deep sedation, to match your comfort and needs. Whether you are preparing for routine dental procedures or complex treatments, the right sedation technique can make your visit more comfortable, efficient, and anxiety-free.
Types of Dental Sedation We Offer
We tailor the level of sedation to your comfort, anxiety levels, and the complexity of your dental procedures.
1. Oral Sedation
This method uses a sedative in pill form, taken before your dental appointment to help you feel calm and relaxed.
- Mild to moderate sedation: You stay awake but feel relaxed.
- Common for moderate anxiety: Many nervous patients feel drowsy but still responsive during the entire procedure. If you have a strong gag reflex, oral sedation will help suppress it, making treatment more comfortable and easier to tolerate.
2. IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation)
This sedation method is delivered through a small needle in your arm or hand.
- Deep sedation: You will be conscious and able to respond, but you may not remember much of the procedure.
- Fast-acting and adjustable: Our dental professionals control the sedation level throughout your visit.
3. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This form of sedation is inhaled through a mask during treatment.
- Light sedation: Fast-acting, reduces anxiety without putting you to sleep.
- Wears off fast: The effects wear off as soon as the mask is removed.
4. General Anesthesia
This type of sedation is used for complex or lengthy procedures or for patients with severe dental fears.
- Level of sedation: You are fully asleep during the procedure.
- Use case: For patients that are not able to cooperate or who cannot sit comfortably for long periods of time. Used for longer, more invasive procedures.
What Procedures Can Be Done With Sedation?
Sedation in dentistry is not only for oral surgery. If you avoid coming to the dentist because of fear or anxiety, you can request dental sedation. It can improve your dental experience during a variety of treatments, including:
Whether you have a strong gag reflex, low pain threshold, or need multiple dental procedures at once, sedation offers a more comfortable experience.
How Sedation Dentistry Works: Step-by-Step
When performed at our office, we generally follow these steps when administering dental sedation.
- Consultation: We review your medical history, current medications, and level of anxiety. This helps us determine the right type of sedation for your needs.
- Preparation: You may need to fast before certain forms of sedation. For oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia, you will not be able to drive after your procedure. Plan to bring someone to drive you home.
- During treatment: If you are using oral sedation, you will take the prescribed medication before arriving, so you feel relaxed by the time your appointment begins. IV sedation is administered once you are in the treatment room. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a small nasal mask worn over your nose, so your dentist can work comfortably in your mouth while you stay calm throughout the procedure.
- Recovery: Recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, so most patients can drive themselves home and resume normal activities. Oral sedation and IV sedation take longer to leave your system and may require the rest of the day to fully recover. We will provide clear, personalized instructions to help you stay safe and comfortable after your appointment.
Why Patients Choose Sedation Dentistry
✔️ Reduces dental anxiety for a more relaxed experience.
✔️ Helps with strong or sensitive gag reflex
✔️ Great for extensive or multiple dental procedures.
Should You Consider Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a good candidate for sedation if:
- You experience moderate anxiety or high anxiety levels about dental care.
- You have a sensitive gag reflex or low pain tolerance.
- You need lengthy procedures or multiple treatments and would like to have them done in one dental appointment.
- You want a more positive experience during a medical procedure.
- You have had previous negative dental experiences.
- You have been avoiding going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety.
Our team uses conservative sedation methods and works with your insurance plan to make treatment accessible. The percentage of dentists trained in conscious sedation dentistry continues to rise, and our dental practice is proud to be among them.
Book a Consultation at Post Street Dental Group
Do not let dental fears stop you from protecting your oral health. We are here to help you receive care without fear.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94102.
FAQs
Not always. It depends on the type of sedation used. With minimal or moderate sedation (like nitrous oxide or oral sedation), you are relaxed but awake. Deep sedation and general anesthesia will make you less aware or completely unconscious.
While sedation dentistry is generally safe, some disadvantages include temporary drowsiness, dry mouth, or nausea. There may be added cost, and patients may need someone to drive them home depending on the sedation method.
Most patients do not feel pain. Sedative medications are paired with local anesthetics to block discomfort. The level of sedation ensures that your dental experience remains relaxed and pain-free.
Sedative medications can cause mild and temporary adverse effects such as dry mouth, mild nausea and low blood pressure. Serious complications are rare when sedation techniques are properly administered by qualified dental professionals. Always provide a full medical history to reduce any risk.