What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry (also known as sleep dentistry) uses safe, proven medications to help anxious patients feel completely relaxed during dental procedures. Whether you experience extreme anxiety, have a sensitive gag reflex, or simply want a more comfortable experience, our sedation dentistry options can make your dental work stress-free and enjoyable.
For San Jose patients who have avoided the dentist’s office due to dental phobia, sedation dentistry opens the door to receiving the dental care you need without fear or discomfort. Our sedation dentistry techniques allow you to maintain your healthy smile while feeling completely at ease.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Our dentist in San Jose offers multiple sedation methods to accommodate different patient needs and anxiety levels. Each sedation option is carefully selected based on your specific requirements, ensuring the best sedation method for your situation.
The three levels of sedation are:
- Minimal sedation (nitrous oxide) is ideal for patients with mild dental anxiety, allowing them to remain awake but deeply relaxed with a quick recovery time so they can drive themselves home after treatment.
- Moderate Sedation, also known as Oral Conscious Sedation, involves taking a prescription pill before your appointment, leading patients to feel drowsy and potentially not remember the procedure. This method is ideal for anxious patients with moderate to severe dental phobia, though it requires a family member to drive you to and from the appointment.
- Deep Sedation (IV Sedation) is administered directly into the bloodstream for immediate effect, allowing patients to fall asleep during treatment while remaining responsive, and is ideal for complex procedures or those with extreme anxiety, with continuous monitoring ensuring complete safety.