At Mesa Dental Group in San Diego, Dr. Cherishma Jami, Dr. Craig Deagle, and Dr. Cameron Hamidi take time to explain your options and help you understand what to expect. Depending on your needs, sedation may reduce anxiety and make it possible to complete more treatment in fewer visits.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental treatment. Different levels of sedation can provide anything from mild relaxation to deeper sedation, depending on the procedure and the patient's needs.
Before recommending an option, our team reviews your medical history, current medications, and planned treatment. We then determine which form of sedation may be appropriate for you.
Sedation dentistry may help:
- Reduce dental anxiety and fear
- Make longer appointments feel more manageable
- Help patients remain comfortable during treatment
- Make it possible to complete multiple procedures in one visit when appropriate
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry may be helpful for patients who experience anxiety or have difficulty remaining comfortable during dental treatment.
It may be considered for:
- Adults with dental fear or past negative dental experiences
- Patients undergoing lengthy restorative treatment
- Patients with a strong or sensitive gag reflex
- People who have difficulty sitting comfortably for long periods
- Patients who want to reduce the number of separate treatment visits when possible
Our dentists evaluate each patient individually before recommending a sedation option.
Sedation Options We Offer
Mesa Dental Group offers different forms of dental sedation based on the patient's needs and planned treatment.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide provides light relaxation during dental treatment. It may be appropriate for patients who feel nervous but do not require deeper sedation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedatives can provide a moderate level of relaxation. Our team will explain how to prepare for your appointment and any transportation or recovery instructions that apply.
IV Sedation
IV sedation provides deeper sedation and allows the level of medication to be carefully controlled during treatment. Patients receiving deeper sedation may need additional recovery time and a responsible adult to drive them home.
Your dentist will discuss which option may be appropriate based on your health history, comfort level, and treatment needs.
What to Expect With Dental Sedation
Before your appointment, a member of our team will review your medical history and provide any necessary instructions about eating, drinking, medications, transportation, and arrival time.
During treatment, we monitor important health indicators such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The level of sedation you receive will determine how relaxed and aware you feel during the procedure.
Some patients remember very little about treatment and feel that the appointment passed more quickly than expected.
After your procedure, you will remain at the office until you meet the appropriate recovery requirements. If your sedation requires it, a responsible adult should drive you home.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Patient safety guides every sedation recommendation at Mesa Dental Group. Our clinicians review your health information before treatment and monitor you during your appointment and recovery.
Recovery depends on the type of sedation used, the procedure performed, and the individual patient. Our team will provide written aftercare instructions and explain what activities you should avoid after your appointment.
We also use modern dental technology when appropriate, including Trios digital scanning, digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and laser dentistry. These tools can help improve precision and support efficient treatment planning.
Why Choose Mesa Dental Group for Sedation Dentistry?
Mesa Dental Group combines modern dental technology with a calm, patient-focused approach. Dr. Cherishma Jami, Dr. Craig Deagle, and Dr. Cameron Hamidi provide clear explanations so patients understand their options before treatment begins.
Our team also works to make dental visits more comfortable with thoughtful amenities and efficient scheduling. Patients can enjoy blankets, free Wi-Fi, water, and coffee while receiving care in a clean, welcoming environment.
Whether anxiety has kept you from routine dental care or you are preparing for a longer procedure, our team can help you explore sedation options designed around your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Will I be awake during sedation dentistry?
That depends on the type and level of sedation you receive. Some options provide mild relaxation while allowing you to remain fully aware, while deeper sedation may leave you with little memory of the appointment.
Do I need someone to drive me home after dental sedation?
Some forms of sedation require a responsible adult to drive you home. Our team will explain your transportation requirements before your appointment.
How long does dental sedation last?
The effects vary based on the medication and level of sedation used. Your dentist will explain what to expect and how long you should allow for recovery.
Can sedation help with dental anxiety?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is often used to help patients who feel nervous, fearful, or uncomfortable about dental treatment.
Which type of sedation is right for me?
The appropriate option depends on your medical history, level of anxiety, planned procedure, and other individual factors. Our team will review these details with you before recommending sedation.
Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Visit in San Diego
If dental fear or anxiety has made it difficult to get the care you need, sedation dentistry may help make treatment more comfortable.
Mesa Dental Group offers sedation dentistry in San Diego with personalized guidance from our experienced dental team. Call today to schedule a visit and discuss which sedation option may be appropriate for you.
