Anxiety shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy smile. Whether you’ve had a difficult experience in the past, a strong gag reflex, or simply prefer to “snooze” through your visit, modern sedation dentistry can make treatment calm and comfortable. At Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we offer tailored options—including oral sedation and IV sedation—so you can choose the level of relaxation that fits your needs and your procedure.
Why Sedation Dentistry?
Dental anxiety is extremely common, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. However, postponing care often allows small problems to grow into bigger ones. Sedation dentistry breaks that cycle. You’ll feel deeply relaxed, time passes quickly, and we can often complete more treatment in fewer visits. When appropriate, we combine sedation with advanced techniques like sleep dentistry protocols and minimally invasive approaches for a smoother experience overall.
Oral Sedation: Simple and Effective
Oral sedation uses a carefully prescribed medication taken before your appointment. You’ll arrive feeling calm and may even nap lightly during treatment. Although you remain responsive, most patients remember little of the visit afterward. Because the effects linger, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours post-visit.
IV Sedation: Adjustable, Deeper Relaxation
IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and allows precise adjustment throughout your procedure. This is ideal for longer appointments, complex treatments like multiple implant placements or osseous surgery, or for those with higher anxiety. You’ll be closely monitored the entire time, and like oral sedation, you’ll need an escort afterward.
What Sedation Feels Like
Patients often describe a warm, heavy sensation followed by drifting in and out of light sleep. Sounds fade, and worries do, too. We’ll keep you comfortable with local anesthesia at the treatment area so you remain pain-free as well as relaxed. Because you won’t be fully “asleep” like in a hospital general anesthesia scenario, recovery is typically smoother and faster.
Is Sedation Safe?
In the hands of trained clinicians, yes. Your safety is our top priority. We conduct a medical review, discuss medications and supplements, and tailor sedation to your health history. During your visit, we monitor vital signs and adjust dosing as needed. For many patients—including those who haven’t seen a dentist in years—sedation is the key that unlocks predictable, comfortable care.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
- Patients with dental anxiety or needle sensitivity
- Strong gag reflex or difficulty getting numb
- Time-sensitive treatment plans that benefit from fewer, longer visits
- Complex grafting or implant cases where stillness improves precision
Preparing for Your Sedation Visit
- Follow food and drink guidelines we provide—these vary by sedation type.
- Arrange transportation and a trusted adult to accompany you home.
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring any oral appliances, like a night guard, to discuss care after your procedure.
- Plan a light schedule afterward so you can rest.
Recovery & Aftercare
Expect to feel relaxed or slightly groggy for a few hours. Drink fluids, start with soft foods, and take medications as directed. We’ll call to check on you and schedule follow-ups as needed. Patients consistently report that sedation transformed their feelings about dental care, making them more likely to keep preventive visits and protect their oral health long-term.
Comfort Is Part of the Plan
Sedation is only one aspect of comfort at our practice. We also emphasize clear explanations, gentle techniques, and a calm, friendly environment. From noise-canceling headphones to sequenced breaks during longer visits, details matter. Your comfort is a system—not a single pill or IV line—and we treat it that way.
Take the Next Step
If anxiety has kept you from the care you need, you’re not alone—and you have options. We’ll walk you through each choice, answer every question, and build a plan that fits your health goals and preferences.
Ready to experience dentistry differently? Call Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (310) 473-8770 or Contact Us to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation in West Los Angeles.