Sedation Dentistry in San Diego, CA

How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

More common than most people think. A 2025 national survey led by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry found that 72.6 percent of adults reported some fear of the dentist, and 26.8 percent described their fear as severe. The same study found that most people with moderate or severe fear were interested in help overcoming it. If anxiety has kept you away, sedation is one practical way back in.

Why Putting Off Care Tends to Make Fear Worse

Skipping visits rarely makes the worry go away. A small cavity left alone can grow until it needs a root canal or an extraction, and a bigger procedure gives fear more to feed on. Sedation makes it easier to come in while problems are still small and simple to fix.

Comparing Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, and IV Sedation

The three options differ in how they are given, how deep the relaxation goes, and how long the effects last.

• Nitrous oxide is breathed through a small mask over your nose. It takes effect within minutes and fades soon after the mask comes off, so most patients can drive themselves home.
• Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill taken before your appointment. It produces a deeper, drowsy calm, and many people remember little of the visit. You will need a driver and the rest of the day to rest.
• IV sedation delivers medication through a small line in your arm or hand and can be adjusted during treatment. It is the deepest level we offer and is often chosen for longer surgical visits.

Dr. Keith will recommend a level based on how anxious you feel, what treatment you need, and your health history, and you make the final choice together.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation?

You do not need a diagnosed phobia to ask for sedation. Patients often choose it because of a sensitive gag reflex, trouble sitting still in the chair, a past visit that went badly, or a long procedure such as wisdom tooth removal. Others use it to combine several treatments into fewer appointments.

Your health matters too. Certain medical conditions, medications, sleep apnea, or pregnancy may change which option is safest for you, so we review your medical history and current medications before recommending a level of sedation.

Sedation Dentistry Questions We Hear Often

Will I Be Asleep During Sedation Dentistry?

No. All three options we offer are forms of conscious sedation. You stay awake enough to breathe on your own and respond to us, though with oral or IV sedation you may feel very drowsy and remember little of the visit.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

For most healthy adults, sedation is considered safe when the type and dose are matched to the patient and the patient is monitored throughout. Dr. Keith reviews your medical history, medications, and conditions such as sleep apnea before recommending an option, and some patients are better suited to a lighter level.

Can I Drive Myself Home After Sedation?

After nitrous oxide, usually yes, once you have breathed oxygen for a few minutes and feel back to normal. After oral or IV sedation, no. Plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and avoid driving until the next day.

Which Type of Sedation Is Right for Me?

It depends on how anxious you feel, how long your procedure will take, and your health. Nitrous oxide often suits mild nerves, oral sedation suits moderate anxiety, and IV sedation is often used for severe anxiety or longer surgical visits. We will decide together at your consultation.

Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?

Coverage depends on your plan and the reason sedation is used. Some PPO plans pay toward sedation for certain procedures, while others do not cover it. We check your benefits before your visit so you know what to expect.