Skip to main content

Sedation Dentistry Options at Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute

At Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience for some patients!  Whether it’s anxiety about the procedure itself, a fear of needles, or simply a dislike of sitting in the dental chair, these concerns are more common than you might think. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a way to help you relax and feel more at ease during your visit. Our team of highly trained professionals, including Dr. Robert Bell, Dr. Andrew Rahn, Dr. Michael Henriksen, Dr. David Smith, Dr. Spencer Anderson, and Dr. Timothy Bunnell, are here to guide you through your options for a more comfortable dental experience. 

laughing gas

What is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The level of sedation can vary, depending on the type of procedure, your level of anxiety, and your medical history. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sleep, ensuring that you are comfortable and at ease throughout your visit. 

At Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute, we offer several sedation options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Let’s explore some of the most common options we provide.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A Mild and Common Sedation

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most common and mildest forms of sedation. It is inhaled through a small mask that fits comfortably over your nose. Nitrous oxide helps you relax almost immediately, and the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. This makes it an excellent choice for patients who need to return to their regular activities after their dental appointment. 

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide: 

  • Fast-acting and easy to administer 
  • Safe and adjustable during the procedure 
  • Minimal side effects with quick recovery 
  • You’ll remain awake and responsive

Oral Sedation: For those with mild anxiety

Oral sedation involves taking a pill or liquid medication prior to your appointment. This medication helps you relax and feel at ease, although you may remain awake throughout the procedure. Oral sedation is ideal for patients with moderate anxiety or those who need to undergo longer procedures. 

Benefits of Oral Sedation: 

  • Easy to administer with no injections required 
  • Suitable for patients with moderate anxiety 
  • Provides a deeper sense of relaxation than nitrous oxide 
  • You may feel groggy after the procedure, but the effects wear off as you rest 

IV Sedation: Deeply Relaxed, but still awake

IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, involves administering sedatives directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This form of sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation and is often used for more complex procedures or for patients who experience significant anxiety. With IV sedation, you will be deeply relaxed, but still able to respond to the dentist’s instructions. 

Benefits of IV Sedation: 

  • Offers deeper sedation than nitrous oxide or oral medication 
  • You will feel calm and relaxed, with little to no memory of the procedure 
  • The sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure for maximum comfort 
  • Ideal for patients undergoing longer or more invasive procedures 

General Anesthesia: For Extensive Procedures

For certain complex or extensive procedures, general anesthesia may be used. This involves placing the patient into a deep sleep, rendering them completely unaware of the procedure. General anesthesia is typically reserved for more involved surgeries or for patients with extreme anxiety or medical conditions that require it. 

Benefits of General Anesthesia: 

  • Complete unconsciousness during the procedure 
  • Used for complex surgeries or patients who are highly anxious 
  • Administered and monitored by a trained anesthesiologist 

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is not just for those with dental phobia—it’s also an excellent option for people who have a low pain tolerance, have difficulty sitting still for long periods, or need multiple procedures completed in one visit. It can also be helpful for those with certain medical conditions that make dental work challenging. 

At Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute, we take your comfort seriously. Our team of skilled professionals, including Dr. Robert Bell, Dr. Andrew Rahn, Dr. David Smith, Dr. Spencer Anderson, Dr. Michael Henriksen and Dr. Timothy Bunnell, are experienced in administering sedation safely and effectively to ensure that you have a positive experience during your procedure. Schedule a Consultation Today! 

Dr. Bell, Dr. Smith, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Bunnell, Dr. Rahn & Dr. Henriksen, and the entire team at Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute are committed to delivering compassionate care and exceptional oral surgery services, even in the most urgent situations.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

Contact Us at our offices in Hanford, Tulare, Porterville, Visalia or Fresno CA

Visalia Office Phone Number (559) 732-7946 Request An Appointment Contact Us

Comments are closed.

Hear From Our Patients

“All of the staff are very friendly and helpful. Dr. Anderson is great! He is friendly, kind, and very patient. My sister has had teeth extracted and the whole experience was efficient with no complications. We highly recommend this practice.”

-Wendy M.
 

"My son needed some teeth taken out for the orthodontist. We went to Dr Anderson, he was great with my son and we felt very taken care of. My son loved "going to sleep" and Loved Dr. Anderson's socks. We would recommend him to anyone."

-M G
Our Offices
1116 North Chinowth St.
Visalia, CA 93291
Fax: (559) 732-9621
1080 North Cherry St.
Tulare, CA 93274
Fax: (559) 685-9605
1155 West Lacey Blvd.
Hanford, CA 93230
Fax: (559) 582-9334
328 North Second St.
Porterville, CA 93257
Fax: (559) 854-7375
Click to open and close visual accessibility options. The options include increasing font-size and color contrast.