Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients avoid or delay necessary dental care. At Ora Dentistry, we take patient comfort seriously at every level. Our treatment rooms are equipped with heated pillows, flat screen TVs, wireless headsets, and Netflix to help patients relax during their visit. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients throughout Elk Grove, Sacramento, and surrounding communities who need additional support to feel calm and comfortable during dental care.

Whether you experience mild nervousness or significant fear around dental visits, our team will work with you to find the most appropriate sedation approach for your situation.

Sedation dentistry is also an option for patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures, patients with a sensitive gag reflex, and patients with special care needs who require additional support to receive treatment comfortably.

IV Sedation

IV sedation delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream, producing a deeper level of relaxation that is appropriate for complex or lengthy procedures, patients with severe dental anxiety, and patients with special needs. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. Because IV sedation produces a significantly relaxed state, patients will need a responsible adult to drive them to and from their appointment. IV sedation is administered and monitored carefully throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It produces a calm, relaxed, and slightly euphoric state while allowing the patient to remain fully conscious and responsive throughout treatment. Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly and wears off rapidly once the mask is removed, meaning most patients are able to drive themselves home following their appointment. It is an appropriate option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative medication by mouth prior to your dental appointment. The medication produces a moderate level of relaxation, allowing patients to remain conscious and able to respond to instructions while feeling calm and at ease. Because the effects can persist beyond the length of the appointment, patients will need a responsible adult to drive them to and from our office. Oral conscious sedation is a good option for patients who need more support than nitrous oxide provides but do not require the deeper sedation of IV administration.

There is no reason to avoid the dental care you need because of anxiety. Contact us today to learn more about our sedation options and schedule your appointment at our Elk Grove office.