Sedation Dentistry – San Juan Capistrano, CA

Creating a Calmer Dental Experience

Do you feel anxious when thinking about the dentist’s office? You’re not alone. Millions of people experience what is known as dental anxiety. Unfortunately, this leads to many appointments being canceled or “rescheduled.” Dr. Omrani wants to change all of that by offering sedation dentistry to calm fears and create a relaxing, more enjoyable experience. If you are struggling to pursue regular oral healthcare, contact us to learn more about sedation dentistry in our San Juan Capistrano, CA dental office.

Fearful patient in need of sedation dentistry

Why Choose Platinum Dental Group of San Juan Capistrano for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Trained Dentist with 20 Years of Experience
  • Comfortable Amenities
  • Caring Dental Team to Remain By Your Side

 

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

Dental patient relaxing under oral conscious dental sedation

If you’re uneasy about your dental appointment, oral conscious sedation can be a great way to calm your nerves. We’ll prescribe a pill that you will take before you arrive. This will help you to become more comfortable as we work to complete your dental work. Instead of fidgeting and flinching throughout the process, our team will be able to take care of your smile effectively and efficiently while you remain fully relaxed.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Dental patient receiving treatment under nitrous oxide dental sedation

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that has been used for decades. It’s most commonly used to help patients who experience dental-related anxiety, but it has many other uses and is safe for patients of all ages. If you are interested in learning more about it, including if you’re a candidate, don’t hesitate to read on or give us a call!

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Dentist smiling at patient in treatment room

Like we mentioned above, nitrous oxide is a great option for patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety. It’s also helpful for patients who struggle with a sensitive gag reflex, who need extensive dental work, or who struggle with head, neck, or jaw pain in the treatment chair. Simply put, if you think nitrous oxide would help you have the positive and relaxing experience you deserve at our office, don’t hesitate to ask us if you’re a candidate! From there, we can review your medical history and any allergies you have to determine if this calming solution is right for you.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work? 

Woman relaxing in treatment chair while breathing in nitrous oxide

First, we will welcome you to our office, escort you to the treatment room, and help you settle comfortably into the chair. Then, we will place a small nasal mask over your nose and ask you to inhale. Shortly after, you’ll feel the effects set in. Some patients describe it as feeling light, carefree, and euphoric, and others say their limbs feel heavy and their body feels completely relaxed. Either way, you won’t feel any stress, anxiety, or worry. One of the biggest perks of this calming solution is that it allows you to feel completely at ease while also remaining cognizant enough to respond to any cues we give you.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Woman smiling while sitting in treatment chair

Because there are no lasting side effects, you do not need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. In fact, you’ll be able to resume normal activity immediately following your visit! Of course, we will provide you with aftercare instructions specific to the care you received. For example, if we restored the look, health, and function of a decayed tooth with a dental crown, we will ask you not to chew on that side of your mouth, to rinse with warm saltwater periodically, and to take OTC pain medication per the directions on the label.

 

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe? 

For most patients, sedation dentistry is a very safe treatment. Most people handle nitrous oxide with no issues. In fact, out of all the sedation options, it is the safest for most people.

Before deciding whether you are a good candidate for sedation, Dr. Omrani will review your medical history and current medications (both over the counter and prescribed) to determine if there will be any negative reactions.

While you are under sedation, Dr. Omrani and the team will ensure that you remain safe by always monitoring your vital signs, including your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate.

Will I remember anything with dental sedation? 

Even though you’re technically awake under most forms of dental sedation, there’s a good chance you may not remember much of your procedure. Any memory loss associated with sedation dentistry can make getting dental care much easier for patients with extreme anxiety or fear.

How long does dental sedation last? 

The duration of your sedative depends on the type of sedation you are receiving.

The effects of nitrous oxide should wear off within five minutes when you stop inhaling the gas. Following nitrous oxide, you should be safe to drive yourself home or to work with no lingering drowsiness.

With oral conscious sedation, the effects of the pill may remain active in your system for the rest of the day, so be sure to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours after your procedure, and be sure to have a ride home lined up prior to your procedure.

Does dental sedation make you tell secrets? 

Contrary to Hollywood tropes, dental sedation is not really a “truth serum” and it’s very unlikely that it would cause you to reveal any deep, dark secrets while under sedation.

Rest assured, however, that even if you do, Dr. Omrani and the team will keep whatever you say within the walls of the dental treatment room.