Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Keith, DDS

Sedation Dentist in University Heights, San Diego

Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation for University Heights patients, matched to your comfort level at our nearby Hillcrest office.

5-Star Rated

Nitrous, Oral & IV Options

Judgment-Free Visits

Schedule a Consultation (619) 291-2980

Plenty of people put off dental care because of nerves. For some it is the sound of the drill or the feel of a needle. For others it is a strong gag reflex, trouble sitting still, or one bad appointment years ago. Whatever the cause, the longer care is delayed, the more likely a small problem turns into a bigger one.

At Sunrise Dental Arts, Dr. Andy Keith offers sedation dentistry in San Diego for patients across Uptown, including many neighbors from University Heights. We match the level of sedation to your anxiety, your health history, and the treatment you need, and you decide together with Dr. Keith what feels right.

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Three Levels of Sedation, Explained

Nitrous oxide is a light gas breathed through a small mask over the nose. It takes the edge off within minutes, you stay awake and able to talk, and it wears off quickly once the mask comes off. Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill taken before your appointment that leaves you drowsy and relaxed. IV sedation delivers medication through a small line in the arm or hand for the deepest relaxation we offer, and many patients remember little of the visit afterward.

The American Dental Association notes that the type of procedure, your overall health, any allergies, and your anxiety level all help determine which approach is best. That is why Dr. Keith reviews your medical history and medications before recommending a level, rather than offering the same option to everyone. Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, along with any heart, lung, or breathing conditions, so your sedation can be planned safely.

Who Sedation Can Help

A Strong Gag Reflex

Some patients gag as soon as an instrument or X-ray sensor reaches the back of the mouth. Sedation eases that reflex for many people, which can make cleanings, impressions, and fillings much easier to get through.

Nitrous oxide is often enough for this, and most patients can drive themselves home afterward. If nitrous oxide is not enough, oral sedation may be an option for longer visits.

Fear of Needles or Dental Sounds

If the injection is the part you dread most, nitrous oxide can help you relax before the numbing starts. Deeper options can make the sounds and sensations of treatment feel distant.

Tell us what bothers you most. Knowing the specific trigger helps us choose the lightest option that still keeps you comfortable.

Long or Multi-Step Treatment

Procedures like root canals, wisdom tooth removal, and dental implants can involve long stretches in the chair. Oral or IV sedation can make that time pass more comfortably.

For some patients, sedation also makes it possible to complete more treatment in fewer visits, which means fewer appointments to worry about. Dr. Keith will tell you whether combining appointments makes sense for your health and your treatment.

Returning After Years Away

If it has been a long time since your last visit, you may worry about what we will find as much as about the treatment itself. We start with an exam and a plan, without judgment, and sedation is available for the work that follows.

Our dental exams page explains what that first visit includes. Once the first visit goes smoothly, many patients find the next one feels much easier.

Trouble Sitting Still

Back pain, restlessness, or anxiety can make holding still for an hour difficult. Sedation helps many patients stay relaxed and comfortable, which also helps the treatment go smoothly.

If you choose oral or IV sedation, plan for someone to drive you home and for a quiet rest of the day.

What a Sedation Visit Looks Like

Talking Through Your Anxiety

Before any sedation is planned, we ask what makes dental visits hard for you, what happened at past appointments, and which medications you take. This conversation helps Dr. Keith recommend a level that fits you.

Picking the Right Level

Dr. Keith explains how nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation would feel for your treatment and what each one requires afterward. You choose the option you are comfortable with, and you can ask questions at any point.

Getting Ready for the Day

For oral or IV sedation, you will receive instructions ahead of time about eating, medications, and arranging a ride home. Nitrous oxide needs no special preparation and can often be added on the day of your visit.

Staying Comfortable During Treatment

Our team monitors you throughout the appointment and checks in on how you are feeling. The level of sedation can be adjusted as needed, so you stay relaxed while the work is completed. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, raise a hand or tell us, and we will pause.

Heading Home and Recovering

After nitrous oxide, most patients can drive themselves home. After oral or IV sedation, a responsible adult needs to drive you, and you should plan to rest for the rest of the day. We send you home with aftercare instructions and are available if questions come up.

Coming to Our Office From University Heights

University Heights sits just east and northeast of Hillcrest, so our office at 3645 Fourth Avenue is a short drive from most of the neighborhood, often 10 minutes or less depending on traffic. From the Park Boulevard area, you head west toward Fourth Avenue to reach us. For everyday care, visit our University Heights dentist page.

Being close matters most on sedation days. If a friend or family member is driving you home after oral or IV sedation, a short trip back to University Heights means you can be resting sooner. We see patients Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Schedule Sedation Dentistry Near University Heights

Our team at Sunrise Dental Arts works with anxious patients from University Heights who want to get back on track with their dental care. Dr. Andy Keith will listen first, explain your options in plain language, and let you set the pace.

Request a sedation consultation online or call (619) 291-2980. Sedation coverage varies by plan, so our team can check your PPO benefits ahead of time, and financing through Cherry and CareCredit is available for any remaining cost.

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FAQs

How far is your office from University Heights?

Our office is at 3645 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, just west of University Heights. For most patients it is a short drive, often 10 minutes or less depending on traffic.

Who needs to drive me home after sedation?

After oral conscious sedation or IV sedation, a responsible adult needs to drive you home, and you should not drive for the rest of the day. After nitrous oxide alone, most patients can drive themselves. We will confirm your ride when you schedule.

Will I remember my appointment after sedation?

With nitrous oxide, you stay awake and usually remember the visit. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation often leave patients with little memory of the appointment, which many anxious patients find helpful.

Can I have nitrous oxide during a regular cleaning?

Yes. Nitrous oxide can be used for routine visits such as cleanings and exams, and it usually needs no special preparation. Let our team know when you book, or ask at the start of your visit.

Does dental insurance cover sedation?

Coverage depends on your plan and the reason sedation is used. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network, and our team can check your benefits before your appointment. Financing through Cherry and CareCredit can help with any remaining cost.