Sedation Dentistry in Simi Valley
For many people, the hardest part of dental care is simply getting into the chair. Sedation dentistry addresses that directly. With medication chosen for your needs, you can stay calm and comfortable while we complete the work your smile needs. At 805 Dentistry, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team. Patients from Simi Valley and across the surrounding communities come to our Thousand Oaks office for nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, all under one roof.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental treatment. It is different from local anesthetic, which numbs a specific area of your mouth. Sedation works on your overall comfort and anxiety level. Depending on the type, you may feel mildly relaxed, deeply calm, or barely aware of the appointment. We still use local anesthetic for numbing where it's needed.
We offer three main options. Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed through a small mask over your nose. It produces a light, relaxed feeling and wears off quickly once the mask is removed. Oral sedation is a prescribed medication taken by mouth before your visit. It brings a deeper sense of calm that lasts longer than nitrous. IV sedation is delivered directly into a vein, which allows the level of sedation to be adjusted throughout the procedure. It is typically suited to longer or more involved treatment, or to patients with significant anxiety.
Simi Valley patients ask us about sedation for many different reasons. Some have put off care for years because of fear. Others feel fine about cleanings but dread a root canal or extraction. Some simply want a long appointment to feel shorter. Common situations include:
- Dental anxiety or past experiences that make visits stressful
- A strong gag reflex that makes impressions or treatment difficult
- Longer procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or full mouth rehabilitation
- Wanting to complete several treatments in fewer visits
- Difficulty sitting still or staying comfortable in the chair for an extended time
Matching the option to the situation matters. Nitrous oxide often works well for routine care like fillings or cleanings when nerves are mild. Oral sedation may suit someone with moderate anxiety facing a crown or multiple fillings. IV sedation is often a good fit for surgical extractions, implant placement, or All-on-4 and full-arch procedures. In those cases, a steady, adjustable level of comfort makes a real difference.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most adults who feel anxious about dental care, or who need extensive treatment, can be good candidates. The right choice depends on your health history and the treatment involved. Before recommending an option, we review your medical history, current medications, and any previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia.
That conversation is also your chance to tell us what worries you most. Maybe it's the sounds, the sensation of instruments, or not knowing what's happening. Knowing your concerns helps us decide whether a light option like nitrous is enough or whether oral or IV sedation would serve you better. Our dental anesthesiologist's training lets us offer deeper levels of sedation in-house, so you don't need to visit a separate office for it.
What happens before, during, and after a sedated appointment?
Before your visit, we'll give you clear instructions based on the type of sedation you're receiving. These may include guidance on eating and drinking beforehand. For oral and IV sedation, plan to have a responsible adult drive you to and from our office, since you won't be able to drive yourself home. Many Simi Valley patients arrange for a family member or friend to bring them.
During treatment, our team monitors you throughout the appointment. With nitrous oxide, you stay awake and can respond to us. You'll feel relaxed, and the effects fade within minutes after the mask comes off. With oral or IV sedation, you'll feel much more at ease, and many patients remember little of the procedure afterward. Afterward, we'll review aftercare instructions with you and your companion. We'll cover rest, eating, and caring for the treated area. If you have questions once you're home, you can call our office.
How can I pay for sedation dentistry?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and will help you understand what your coverage may include. Coverage for sedation varies by plan and procedure, so we recommend reviewing your benefits with our team before treatment.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost of care, especially for larger treatment plans that pair sedation with implants or restorative work. If anxiety has kept you from the dentist, we're ready to help you take the first step. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and talk through which sedation option fits you best.