Sedation Dentistry

Palos Verdes, CA

Do you get anxiety just thinking about scheduling a dental visit? Are you uncomfortable in the dental chair or uneasy throughout a regular exam? Many patients struggle with dental fears and for this reason many people avoid the dentist until they have a dental emergency. At Digital Smiles, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable from the time they step into our office. For some patients, sedation dentistry has completely changed their view of the dentist. Whether you battle dental fears or need a lot of dental treatment to be done, sedation dentistry can help your dentist work on your smile without you dreading the process. We are proud to offer 3 types of sedation – nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common types of sedation. It is administered through a facial mask and begins to work within minutes. This mask delivers a mix of oxygen and nitrogen which works together to help you feel completely relaxed throughout your appointment. With nitrous oxide, you can respond to your dentist if needed but will not be bothered by surrounding sounds or smells. As soon as your visit is over, the mask can be removed and the effects of sedation will begin to wear away. Following your visit, you should be able to resume your normal activities without any lingering effects. 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is given in pill form and is typically administered before your appointment begins. When the oral sedation begins to work, it helps you to feel calm and relaxed. You may feel drowsy, but most likely will not fall into a deep sleep during your visit. A driver will be needed to bring you home following your appointment as the sedation can take some time to fully wear off. With oral sedation, you can be free from anxiety and your visit will be over quickly!

IV Sedation

Sedation administered by one of our trained professionals through an IV is very effective and is typically used for longer appointments or extensive treatment. The level of sedation is able to be increased or decreased throughout your appointment as necessary. You will most likely remember little to nothing from your visit and will also need a driver to accompany you so they can drive you home afterwards. With IV sedation, you can get the care that you need without dental fear! 

Your dentist can help you decide the best sedation option for your upcoming visit. If you are interested in sedation dentistry and live in the Palos Verdes, CA area, call today to set up your appointment! We look forward to providing you with an excellent dental experience!