Sedation Dentistry

Our number one goal is make you feel at ease during your time with us. We understand that many people associate pain and anxiety with trips to the dentist, but new advances in sedation dentistry can make every procedure with us comfortable and virtually pain free.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, also called relaxation dentistry, is the practice of depressing a patient's level of consciousness so they can still respond to questions and commands, yet feel no pain or anxiety. Oftentimes the patient is able to fall asleep during the procedure but can easily be awoken. Sedation dentistry is much safer than general anesthesia (which renders you completely unconscious), and once the sedation wears off, most patients don't remember the parts of the procedure they were awake for.

What types of sedation dentistry do you offer?

The Ikuta Dental Team offers two types of sedation dentistry: inhalable sedation (nitrous oxide) and oral sedation.

If I'm not unconscious during the procedure, will I remember what happened?

Most patients don't remember the procedure at all because the medications we use also have an amnesiac quality to them.

Do many patients fall asleep during their procedures if sedation dentistry is used?

Yes, many of our patients in the Fresno, Visalia and Reedley area are able to fall asleep during their restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Is sedation dentistry safer than being put under anesthesia?

It is considered a much safer alternative to anesthesia for a few reasons: it's easier to control the effects of sedation than anesthesia; fewer patients have adverse reactions to sedation techniques; and we are able to ask patients questions during the procedure.

How long does it take for the sedation to wear off?

Nitrous oxide will wear off immediately following your procedure. Oral medications and IV sedation can take a bit longer (up to an hour or two), so you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment if we use those methods.

To learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can take the anxiety out of any cosmetic dentistry procedure, please contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation.