Sedation Dentist – Fresno, CA

Feel At-Home in the Treatment Chair

Woman in white sweater grinning outdoors after sedation dentistry in Fresno

If you experience dental fear or anxiety surrounding visiting the dentist, know that you’re not alone. Our team at W Dental - Fresno is friendly and inviting, and we always take the time to help you feel at home whenever you’re in our treatment chair. We want you to be able to take care of your smile without jeopardizing your emotional wellbeing, which is why we offer sedation dentistry in Fresno. If you believe you could benefit from this service, please let us know when you call to schedule your appointment so we can discuss your options with you over the phone.

Why Choose W Dental - Fresno for Sedation Dentistry?

  • 3 Types of Dental Sedation Offered
  • Kind & Welcoming Dentist & Staff
  • Team of Experienced Professionals

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman in dental chair with nitrous oxide sedation mask over her nose

Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting form of dental sedation that’s administered in-office as soon as you arrive and get comfortable in the treatment chair. We’ll place a small nose mask on you that will allow you to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas. Within moments, you’ll feel a calming wave that helps all of your anxieties and fears melt away, making your overall experience more enjoyable and relaxing. After your treatment, we’ll remove the mask and as soon as the effects of the sedation wear off, you’ll be able to go on with your day as you normally would. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

Senior woman holding pill and glass of water

Oral conscious sedation is a great option for adults who experience moderate anxiety or fear surrounding visiting the dentist that keeps them from scheduling important treatments or routine checkups and cleanings. We’ll prescribe a pill that you’ll take before your appointment or whenever you arrive at our office. The effects can take about 30 minutes to take place, but once they do, you’ll feel right at-ease and more comfortable.

IV Sedation

Close up of I V drip

IV sedation is the strongest sedation method we offer, as it’s administered directly into the blood stream and the effects occur nearly immediately. We typically recommend IV sedation for patients who experience severe anxiety or phobia or those who are receiving more extensive procedures. You’ll need to plan ahead to have a trusted friend or family member drop you off and pick you up from your appointment, as it can take the effects up to a day to wear off.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Happy dental patient giving two thumbs up

Dr. Jake and our team want you to have a positive dental care experience, so we are proud to offer multiple types of sedation. Before you visit us for your consultation, though, you might want to learn more about sedation and what to expect with it. Below, we answer some FAQs. If your specific questions are not addressed here, simply give our office a call — we look forward to speaking with you!

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Generally speaking, sedation dentistry is quite safe; severe adverse effects to it are rare, particularly when it is administered by a well-qualified dentist, such as Dr. Jake. Before approving you for sedation, our team will thoroughly screen you for any risk factors that might make it risky for you to undergo this relaxation technique. During your appointment, we will carefully monitor you so we can take fast action on the off chance that something goes wrong.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Kids?

Sedation dentistry has already benefited countless children who experience anxiety or fear in the dentist’s office. The type of sedation we use most often for young people is nitrous oxide because it is low-risk, and it wears off quickly enough that your child will be able to go back to school or play soon after their appointment.

Whichever type of sedation we use, we will take every appropriate measure to keep risks to a minimum. Just like with adults, severe adverse reactions to dental sedation are rare even among very young patients.

If we recommend that your child be sedated, be sure to talk to us about any questions or concerns you have. We want you to trust us with your little one’s precious smile!

Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?

The more powerful types of sedation, such as oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, often have a mild amnesiac effect. Even though you will be conscious during your procedure, you are unlikely to remember anything afterward. Many patients like this aspect of sedation because the sights, sounds, and sensations of dental procedures make them uncomfortable or induce anxiety. Memory loss is much less likely with nitrous oxide sedation.

What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist? 

Different types of sedation come with different sensations.

  • Nitrous oxide may make you feel relaxed and giddy. Some patients start giggling, which is why nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas.”
  • Oral conscious sedation is likely to make you feel drowsy and heavy. You might doze off to sleep. You might also notice that time seems to pass more quickly.
  • IV sedation feels similar to oral conscious sedation, but its effects tend to be even more powerful.