Sedation Dentistry

Do you fear dental visits? Dental anxiety is common and affects millions, but sedation dentistry offers patients a way to comfortably get the dental care they need.

Many people feel nervous sitting in the dental chair, while others are anxious enough to avoid scheduling appointments. Then there are those with a full-blown dental phobia that leaves them so panic-stricken they only see the dentist when severe pain forces them to.

Whatever level of anxiety you experience, we'll tailor sedation dentistry at our Elk Grove and Lodi dental offices to fit your needs. With nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, our dentists safely provide the level of relaxation and comfort necessary to relieve your dental anxiety.

Everyone experiences dentistry differently, so we take time to get to know our patients and understand what they need to have a comfortable experience. Even if you don't have dental anxiety, you may desire a more relaxed experience, and sedation dentistry can benefit you, too!

Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas"

Some patients want to take the edge off their anxiety but don't want to go to sleep or spend hours feeling groggy after their appointment. For them, nitrous oxide, also called "laughing gas," is the perfect solution.

Nitrous oxide sedation offers mild relaxation that induces a dreamy state without putting you to sleep. We administer nitrous through a small breathing mask, and you just sit back and breathe normally.

You will be conscious but feel a warm sense of calm and well-being, and the activity around you won't affect you. After your appointment, you can resume your activities with no drowsy after-effects.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Our sedation dentists can also prescribe a mild sedative to take before you get to our office to experience deeper relaxation. You will feel relaxed when you arrive, and we can get you started on nitrous oxide for a completely comfortable, stress-free experience.

If you opt for oral sedation, we require you to have someone drive you to and from your appointment safely.

IV Sedation Dentistry

If you have a more complex or longer procedure planned or want to go to sleep, we recommend IV (intravenous) sedation. With IV sedation, the calming medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream for immediate effects.

You will be semi-conscious so our dental team can continue communicating with you. However, you will be unaware of the activity around you and will not remember the procedure or much of what happens. Our highly trained dental professionals will monitor you throughout your appointment to ensure your safety and comfort.

IV sedation will leave you groggy and sleepy for several hours, so you will need someone to drive you home safely. It would be best if you planned to take the rest of the day to relax at home as the effects of IV sedation wear off.

At Oak Tree Dentistry, we strive to make every aspect of your appointment calm, comfortable, and stress-free.

You'll experience it in our amenities, such as bottled water, warm blankets, neck pillows, eye masks, and aromatherapy.

You'll hear it in the soft, calming music playing throughout our office, and we welcome you to enjoy your favorite music or shows on Netflix with our Blue-tooth headphones.

Overcome Dental Anxiety and Get the Help You Need

Our dentists will carefully review your medical history and prescription medications before offering dental sedation. Rest assured that your comfort and safety are our highest priorities!

Are you ready to take control of your dental anxiety with sedation dentistry? Please call our Elk Grove or Lodi dental office for more information or to schedule an appointment.