Sedation Dentistry in Westlake Village
For many adults, the hardest part of dental care is walking through the door. Anxiety, a strong gag reflex, past experiences that went badly, or the prospect of a long appointment can lead people to put off care until a small problem becomes a bigger one. At 805 Dentistry, we offer sedation dentistry so patients from Westlake Village and nearby communities can get the treatment they need while feeling calm and comfortable. Our Thousand Oaks office has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, which lets us match each patient with the sedation option that fits their needs.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental treatment. It is different from the local anesthetic that numbs a specific tooth or area. Sedation addresses how you feel overall, easing nervousness and making time in the chair pass more comfortably. We offer three main options: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. For situations that call for it, we also provide general anesthesia.
Many of the Westlake Village patients we see aren't afraid of dentists in general. They simply want an easier experience. Some have a specific trigger, like the sound of instruments or the feeling of lying back in the chair. Others are busy professionals or parents who want to finish more treatment in fewer visits. Sedation can help in all of these situations.
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is the lightest option. You breathe it through a small mask over your nose, and it takes effect quickly. It suits patients with mild nervousness and shorter procedures like fillings or cleanings. It also wears off quickly once the mask comes off.
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication by mouth before your appointment. It produces a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide and works well for patients with moderate anxiety or for longer visits. IV sedation is delivered through a vein and managed throughout the procedure by our dental anesthesiologist, who can adjust it as needed. It is often the right fit for patients with significant dental anxiety or for more involved treatment, such as wisdom teeth removal, surgical extractions, dental implant placement, or full mouth rehabilitation.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Many adults are good candidates, and the best way to know is a consultation with our team. We review your medical history, your current medications, the treatment you need, and your past experiences with dental care. Then we recommend the option that makes the most sense for you.
Patients often consider sedation for reasons like these:
- Dental anxiety or fear that has kept them from regular care
- A sensitive gag reflex or difficulty staying still in the chair
- Lengthy or complex procedures they would prefer to complete in fewer visits
- Oral surgery, root canal therapy, or implant treatment
- Past dental experiences that were uncomfortable
Because our office brings general dentistry together with specialty care like endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery, Westlake Village patients can often receive both their treatment and their sedation under one roof. That means you don't need to coordinate between separate offices.
What happens on the day of my appointment?
Your appointment follows a clear plan that we go over with you ahead of time. Before your visit, we give you specific instructions for your type of sedation, including any guidance on eating, drinking, or medications.
When you arrive, our team reviews your health information and answers any last-minute questions. With nitrous oxide, we place the mask and you begin to feel relaxed within minutes. With oral sedation, you take your medication as directed. With IV sedation, our dental anesthesiologist starts and monitors the sedation for the entire procedure. Once you're comfortable, we complete your treatment and then give you time to recover in the office before you leave.
What should I expect after sedation?
Recovery depends on the type of sedation you receive, and we give you written aftercare instructions before you head home. Nitrous oxide typically wears off quickly. Oral and IV sedation can leave you drowsy for a longer period, so we ask that you plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you as directed.
Your aftercare instructions also cover the treatment itself, such as caring for an extraction site or a new restoration. If you have questions once you're back home in Westlake Village, our office is a phone call away.
How can I pay for sedation dentistry?
We work with you to make care affordable. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies to your treatment and sedation. We also welcome self-pay patients.
For patients who want to spread out the cost, financing is available. We go over your options during your consultation so you know what to expect before treatment begins. If anxiety has kept you from the dentist, call our Thousand Oaks office to schedule a consultation and talk with our team about the sedation option that fits you.