Sedation Dentist – Fair Oaks, CA

Have a Stress-Free Dental Experience

If the idea of visiting the dentist makes you nervous, you’re far from alone. It’s estimated that dental anxiety keeps up to 20% of adults in the U.S. from seeking out the care they need, from extensive procedures to routine dental checkups. Our team and trusted sedation dentist in Fair Oaks at RnR Dentistry want you to have a stress-free dental experience every time you step into our dental office, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax. If you’ve been needing dental treatment but struggle to get it done, please call us and ask how we can help with sedation dentistry!

 

Why Choose RnR Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

  • One-on-One Care from a Warm, Friendly Dentist
  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones & Other Amenities Offered
  • Patient Satisfaction Is Our Top Priority

 

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Dental patient taking an oral conscious sedation dentistry pill

Patients with moderate levels of dental phobia or anxiety can often benefit from oral conscious sedation. You’ll take this sedative, which comes in the form of a pill, at a certain time before your procedure is set to begin. By the time you get settled in the treatment chair, you’ll feel deeply relaxed, though you’ll likely remain awake the entire time. The sedative’s effects can linger for the rest of the day, so we ask that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from our dental office.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Closeup of dials on nitrous oxide machine

If you’re overly anxious about an upcoming dental appointment or procedure, you might avoid visiting Dr. Rivera for smile-saving care. Skipping routine visits or treatments that are needed to protect, repair, or preserve your teeth and gums can lead to progressively worsening oral issues.

Fortunately, we can provide nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your appointment. Continue reading to learn more about who this medication can help and when it might be recommended. Feel free to reach out to our friendly office staff if you have additional questions.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

A woman with brown hair in red dental chair with nitrous oxide mask on nose

Nitrous oxide is a commonly used sedative that’s typically considered safe for adults and children alike. However, before we can administer this or any other medication, we must gather information about your medical history to ensure that we keep you safe and healthy.

You might benefit from laughing gas if you have:

  • Challenges sitting still for longer periods of time.
  • A fear of needles.
  • A strong gag reflex.
  • Dental sensitivity.
  • Anxiety or overstimulation during dental appointments.
  • Resistance or allergy to numbing agents.

You might not be an ideal candidate for this option if you’re pregnant, taking certain drugs that could interfere with sedation, or have a sinus congestion or respiratory disease that could put your well-being at risk.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work? 

Oxygen output and nitrous oxide output outlets on a wall

This medication is administered through a nose mask that’s placed over your face before we begin working. It only takes a few moments once you begin breathing it in for you to start feeling the effects. You might feel relaxed and drowsy, or more euphoric or giggly (hence the term ‘laughing gas’). We’ll monitor your condition and adjust the sedation as necessary, and then when we’ve finished, we’ll remove the mask. Within minutes, the nitrous oxide will wear off and you can safely drive yourself home afterward.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Woman in blue dental chair smiling and dentist in pale teal scrubs

Thankfully, the impacts of nitrous oxide typically fade quickly, but we may keep you after your appointment for a few minutes to be sure that you’re alert and feeling well before you leave. You can usually continue with your usual work, school, or other activities once you leave, but that might depend on the type of treatment you’ve received.

If we’ve provided any special instructions after your appointment or procedure, following them in detail can help you recover as quickly as possible while reducing the chance of developing potential complications.

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