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SedationIn Carmel Valley
At Torrey Hills Periodontal Group, your safety and peace of mind are always our top priority. With sedation dentistry, you don’t have to let fear or anxiety keep you from getting the periodontal treatment or dental implants you need. Dr. Hunt and our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is calm, comfortable, and stress-free.
Sedation Dentistry: Relaxing, Comfortable Oral Surgery
We understand that the thought of oral surgery or advanced dental treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry—a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety, minimize discomfort, and make your visit more comfortable. Whether you experience mild nervousness or significant dental anxiety, there’s a sedation option to fit your needs.
Dr. Hunt will carefully review your health history, procedure, and preferences before recommending the safest and most appropriate form of sedation. Many patients report feeling relaxed, remembering little of the procedure, and recovering more comfortably when sedation is used. Sedation dentistry is especially helpful for patients with:
- Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist
- A strong gag reflex
- Difficulty sitting still for long appointments
- Complex surgical or implant needs
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is one of the most common and trusted forms of dental sedation. It is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, inhaled through a small mask during your appointment.
Advantages:
- Works well for mild to moderate anxiety
- Fast-acting with quick recovery—you can even drive yourself home
- Flexible—can be used for any length of appointment
- Easily adjustable for comfort and safety
- Provides added relaxation and mild pain relief
- Very few side effects
Considerations:
- May not be effective for patients with severe anxiety
- Not recommended for those with certain respiratory issues (such as asthma or emphysema)
- Some patients with claustrophobia may not like wearing the mask
Accessible care for every patient
Everyone deserves a stress-free dental experience. We work with you to make sedation affordable, whether through third-party financing or customized payment plans.
CareCredit accepted
Transparent pricing
Flexible options available
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a small pill (commonly Halcion/Triazolam) before your procedure. It produces a deeper level of relaxation compared to nitrous oxide, but you will still be awake enough to respond to verbal directions.
Advantages:
- Simple to take—just one pill
- Safe and effective for most patients
- Creates a deeper state of relaxationLow cost compared to other sedation methods
- Most patients remember little or nothing from their appointment
Considerations:
- Effects cannot be adjusted once the pill is taken
- Does not provide direct pain relief (local anesthesia will still be used)
- You must arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Less Anxiety, More Comfort
Sedation dentistry helps ease your nerves, allowing you to undergo oral surgery without fear or stress.
Efficient, Smoother Procedures
A relaxed patient means fewer interruptions and better focus for the surgical team—often shortening the overall procedure time.
Fewer Memories of the Procedure
Many patients don’t remember much, if anything, about their surgery, helping them feel more confident returning for future care.
Our Difference
The Sedation Process
Consultation & Medical Review
Before any sedation is administered, your oral surgeon will take time to review your health history, current medications, and anxiety level. This helps determine which form of sedation is safest and most effective for your individual needs. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Day of Your Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be guided through each step of the sedation process. Whether you're breathing in nitrous oxide, taking an oral sedative, or receiving IV medication, our team will monitor you closely to ensure you're calm, comfortable, and safe. Most patients feel drowsy, deeply relaxed, or even fall asleep during the procedure.
Safe Recovery
After your procedure is complete, you'll rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. Once you're stable, a trusted friend or family member can drive you home. You’ll be sent home with personalized aftercare instructions, and our team will follow up to ensure everything is healing smoothly.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
That depends on your overall health, comfort preferences, and the complexity of your procedure. Mild anxiety may only require nitrous oxide, while more involved surgeries might benefit from IV sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will help guide the decision and ensure you feel confident with your plan.
It depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation usually help you feel relaxed but awake. IV sedation often causes you to fall asleep or remember very little of the procedure. General anesthesia, used for more complex surgeries, puts you completely under in a controlled medical setting.
Yes—sedation is widely used in oral surgery and is very safe when administered by trained professionals. Before your procedure, we carefully review your health history and medical conditions to choose the most appropriate option. During treatment, you’ll be continuously monitored to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
