Sedation Dentistry

Oakland, San Francisco

"I had been putting off getting my teeth straightened. I didn't want to have to wear metal braces and all. San Pablo Dental Care told me about how clear braces, invisalign, could straighten my teeth without anyone seeing that I had braces. It was painless and affordable and I am so happy with my new smile."

– Sharon A.

Some people approach a visit to the dentist with anxiety and apprehension. These feelings are perfectly natural, and thanks to sedation dentistry, easily remedied. Now a trip to the dentist's office can be relaxing and comfortable.

Ways to administer the sedative

The most common way is a mild sedative pill that you take about an hour before the procedure begins. The sedative will not render you unconscious. You'll be awake, but very relaxed, while one of our doctors performs his excellent work - and most people cannot remember the procedure after it is over.

Our doctors can also give you nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is a gas you can breathe in from a mask. It makes you calm and untroubled and you can enjoy music or just doze while your dental work is done.

If sedation dentistry is used, you will need someone to drive you home, as drowsiness can impair your reflexes. Most people fall asleep as soon as they get home. If you had only nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself home, as the effects wear off very quickly once you take the mask off.