SOLUTIONS FOR DENTAL ANXIETY
Sedation Dentistry - Temecula, CA
Oral Sedation
Enteral Conscious Sedation "Orally Administered Sedation", sometimes called "Sedation Dentistry" is administered by taking a pill. All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own. The patient will often fall asleep. Some degree of amnesia is common. The disadvantage with this method of sedation, is that the level of sedation for each person is not predictable.
With Oral (Enteral) Conscious Sedation and Inhalation Conscious Sedation, the patient will experience a state of very deep relaxation. You can still speak and respond to the requests of others.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
When patients visit the dentist for a regular exam, cleaning, and x-rays, most do so without any form of sedation, as these procedures are quick, painless, and non-invasive. Even procedures like fillings, crowns, and tooth extraction can often be completed with nothing more than the administration of a local anesthetic like Novocain for patient comfort.
That said, there are certain procedures for which additional measures are needed to ensure patient comfort and ease of treatment, and this is where sedation dentistry comes into play. It can be used not only for intensive or time-consuming procedures that might cause patient discomfort, but also for patients that suffer from dental anxiety.
Essentially, sedation dentistry is used to help patients relax during procedures. There are different levels of sedation dentistry, including options for the patient to remain awake, but relaxed, as well as treatments that put the patient to sleep throughout a procedure. In all cases, sedation is administered under the supervision and monitoring of trained professionals for patient safety and comfort.
Sedation dentistry is typically recommended for patients undergoing intensive or time-consuming procedures, patients who have a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth, and those who suffer from issues like dental anxiety. It is not recommended for pregnant women, those who are allergic to sedatives, or patients with certain health conditions. The trained and experienced team at Elevate Dental will discuss your medical history before moving ahead with sedation dentistry.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The main goal of sedation dentistry is to help patients have a successful and positive experience, enjoying a comfortable and relaxing visit. In some cases, this is a matter of easing potential physical discomfort, as with certain procedures or for patients who suffer extreme oral sensitivity.
Sedation dentistry may also be recommended for patients that have issues like a strong gag reflex or dental anxiety. Such problems can prevent you from scheduling regular dental visits that are needed to maintain good oral health.
With the right form of oral sedation, you can remain calm and relaxed during your visit, whether you’re coming in for a regular cleaning and exam or you need a filling or root canal. Sedation dentistry is particularly useful when patients need multiple and/or time-consuming procedures that might otherwise cause discomfort or growing anxiety.
When anxious, patients may have trouble remaining calm and still, and even small twitches could lead to accidents when using a drill or other dental tools. With sedation dentistry, patients can remain relaxed for hours, often drifting off to sleep during the procedure. If you’re curious about sedation dentistry, don’t hesitate to ask us if this option is right for you.
FAQs
At Elevate Dental Temecula, we offer oral sedation and IV (“deep conscious”) sedation to meet your comfort needs.
- Oral sedation includes taking a small pill before your visit to help you relax.
- IV sedation delivers medication straight into your bloodstream for stronger, faster relaxation.
- During your consultation, we’ll review your health history, anxiety level, and treatment plan to recommend the safest, most effective option for you.
With oral sedation, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and may drift in and out of light sleep, often remembering little or nothing afterward.
With IV sedation, you’ll remain conscious but in a deeper, dream-like state — most patients have minimal or no memory of the procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will clearly explain what to expect so you feel comfortable and informed.
Yes. Sedation dentistry is quite safe when administered by trained professionals under proper monitoring. At Elevate Dental Temecula, your vitals are continuously observed, and we always review your medical history, medications, and overall health beforehand. Our focus is on keeping you calm, comfortable, and completely safe from start to finish.
Absolutely! Sedation dentistry is particularly beneficial for patients having dental anxiety, fear of needles, or a sensitive gag reflex. It allows you to remain calm and still throughout treatment, making your experience much easier — whether you’re in for a cleaning, filling, or a more involved procedure.
Preparation depends on the type of sedation:
- For oral sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your visit.
- For IV sedation, you’ll receive more specific instructions, and you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
- Our team will provide personalized pre-visit guidelines to make sure your experience is smooth and safe.
After your procedure, you’ll need a few hours to recover as the medication wears off. With oral sedation, drowsiness can last several hours; with IV sedation, recovery may take a little longer. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to drive, eat, or return to work so you can plan your day comfortably.
Sedation isn’t just for complex dental work. It’s also ideal for routine cleanings, exams, or minor treatments if you have anxiety or sensitivity. At Elevate Dental Temecula, we customize sedation for your needs, helping you feel relaxed — even during the simplest appointments.