At Park Dental Arts, our team wants to ensure your visit is a comfortable and positive one. In addition to our welcoming and modern office, we also provide conscious sedation to help people remain calm and relaxed when undergoing more extensive treatments. The same calming solutions can help those with dental anxiety or special needs to receive the care necessary for optimal oral health!
Our Sedation Options
We will never minimize your anxiety or concerns, and we’ll work with you to ensure you can enjoy your visit and obtain better oral health and a more attractive smile. We offer two options that allow you to stay conscious but with little to no memory of the procedure. Nitrous oxide helps you enter a calm and euphoric state. You simply breathe in a gas through a mask over your nose. The effects can be adjusted during care and wear off once the procedure ends so you can return to your normal routine.
Oral conscious sedation is a deeper state of calm, and is administered through a medication you take prior to the procedure. With this option, the effects take time to wear off, so have someone on hand to bring you home!
How Does It Work?
You start by scheduling the visit and speaking with our team. We will take steps to ensure your comfort during your visit. During the initial welcome visit, we will gather x-rays and plan your procedure in detail, choosing the right sedation option for you. For the night before, we may provide a prescription sedative to help you rest well. Arrive in comfortable clothing, and we will then administer either nitrous oxide or oral sedation. We will monitor you throughout the process to ensure your comfort and safety. When the treatment is over, a friend or family member can bring you home and you can enjoy an improved smile!
Dental Conscious Sedation FAQ – Safe & Comfortable Dentistry
What is conscious sedation dentistry?
Conscious sedation uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures while remaining awake and able to respond. It reduces anxiety and discomfort without putting you fully to sleep.
What types of conscious sedation are available?
Common forms include:
- Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas): Gentle relaxation, wears off quickly.
- Oral Sedation: A prescribed pill taken before your appointment for deeper relaxation.
- IV Sedation: Medication delivered through a small IV line for a more controlled, deeper level of sedation.
Availability varies by practice and state regulations.
Who is a good candidate for conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation may be right for you if you have:
- Dental anxiety or fear
- A strong gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Complex dental treatment needs
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- Time constraints and prefer completing multiple procedures in one visit
Is conscious sedation safe?
Yes. Conscious sedation is considered very safe when administered by trained, licensed professionals. Your vitals are monitored throughout the procedure, and dosing is tailored to your medical history and comfort level.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes, but deeply relaxed. You’ll be able to respond to verbal cues, but many patients feel drowsy and remember very little of the appointment afterward.
How should I prepare for my sedation appointment?
Preparation varies by sedation type, but may include:
- Avoiding food/drink for several hours before your visit (for oral or IV sedation)
- Arriving with a responsible adult escort
- Wearing comfortable clothing
- Taking pre-medication as instructed
Our office will provide specific guidelines.
Can I drive after conscious sedation?
For nitrous oxide, you can usually drive yourself home.
For oral or IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for a few hours after the procedure.
How long does the sedation effect last?
- Nitrous oxide: Wears off in 3–5 minutes once the gas is turned off.
- Oral sedation: Effects may last 4–8 hours.
- IV sedation: Effects may last several hours, with some lingering drowsiness the rest of the day.
What does conscious sedation feel like?
Patients commonly describe feeling:
- Calm or peaceful
- Light or floaty
- Less aware of sounds or activity
- Drowsy or dreamy
- Unbothered by the procedure
Many remember little to nothing afterward.
What dental procedures can be done with conscious sedation?
Most treatments can be completed with sedation, including:
- Fillings and crowns
- Extractions
- Root canal therapy
- Deep cleanings
- Implant surgery
- Multiple or lengthy procedures
Are there medical conditions that prevent sedation?
Certain conditions may require medical clearance or alternative options, such as:
- Severe respiratory issues
- Sleep apnea
- Pregnancy (depending on medication)
- Allergies to sedatives
- Uncontrolled medical conditions
The dentist will review your medical history to ensure safety.
Schedule Your Next Appointment with Our Team Today
We’re ready to help you enjoy a positive and low-stress visit to our office. To schedule an appointment or if you have questions, please call our office in San Diego, CA, at (619) 544-1745. We proudly serve the residents of San Diego and surrounding communities.
