Why choose us
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Calm Through Treatment
Our sedation options help ease dental anxiety so you can feel relaxed while we care for your smile.
Nitrous for Light Relief
Nitrous oxide is a mild option you breathe through a small mask, a good fit if you feel a bit nervous.
Oral Sedation for Deeper Ease
Oral sedation is taken as medication before your visit and suits patients who want a deeper sense of calm than nitrous provides.
IV for Longer Visits
IV sedation offers our deepest level of relaxation and can suit patients with significant anxiety or more involved procedures.
Board-Certified Anesthesiologist
A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is part of our team, bringing specialized training to your sedation care.
If your heart starts racing at the thought of a dental chair, or you've put off care because a past visit was hard to get through, you're not alone, and you don't have to push through that fear on your own. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, we offer sedation dentistry so patients can get the cleanings, fillings, extractions, and larger treatments they need in a calmer, more comfortable state. Our team includes a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, so sedation here is planned and delivered by someone with dedicated training in keeping patients safe and relaxed.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental treatment. It's different from the local numbing that blocks pain in one area of your mouth. Sedation calms your mind and body, so the sounds, sensations, and passage of time feel much less intense. Depending on the type and level we use, you may feel pleasantly drowsy, deeply relaxed, or have little memory of the appointment afterward.
Many kinds of patients benefit. Some have dental anxiety that has kept them away for years. Others have a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or trouble sitting still for long stretches. Sedation can also help when someone needs extensive work, such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or full mouth rehabilitation, and would rather complete more in fewer visits. Because we care for children and adults alike, we also discuss options with families whose kids find dental visits overwhelming.
We offer three main forms of sedation, plus general anesthesia when it's appropriate. Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed through a small mask over your nose. It takes effect within minutes, keeps you awake and able to respond, and wears off quickly once the mask is removed. It's a good fit for mild to moderate nervousness and for routine visits like cleanings or fillings.
Oral sedation is a prescribed pill taken before your appointment. It produces a deeper, drowsier calm than nitrous oxide while still letting you breathe on your own and respond to our team. Patients with moderate anxiety, or those who want a more relaxed experience for longer procedures, often choose this option. IV sedation is delivered through a vein, which lets our dental anesthesiologist adjust your level of sedation precisely throughout treatment. It's often the best choice for significant anxiety, complex surgery, or lengthy appointments where steady, controlled comfort matters most.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for sedation?
The best way to find out is a conversation with our team before any treatment. During your first visit, we review your medical history, current medications, and any past experiences with anesthesia. We also ask what worries you most about dental care, because the right sedation level depends as much on your comfort as on the procedure itself.
From there, we recommend an option that matches your health, your anxiety level, and the treatment you need. Before your appointment, it helps to be ready to share:
- A complete list of medications and supplements you take
- Any heart, lung, or other ongoing health conditions
- Previous reactions to sedation or anesthesia
- Whether you're pregnant or nursing
- Who can drive you home if you choose oral or IV sedation
Honest answers help us keep you safe. If one type of sedation isn't the right match, we'll explain why and talk through the alternatives.
What should I expect after my sedation appointment?
Recovery depends on the type of sedation you receive. With nitrous oxide, the effects usually fade within minutes, and many patients return to their normal day soon after. Oral and IV sedation take longer to wear off, so you'll need a trusted adult to take you home and stay with you for a while as you rest.
We give you clear written aftercare instructions for both the sedation and the dental work itself. These cover when to eat and drink, how to manage any tenderness, and which activities to avoid for the rest of the day. Many patients tell us the biggest change is how they feel about future visits. Once dental care stops being something to dread, keeping up with regular checkups becomes much easier.
How can I pay for sedation dentistry?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available. Coverage for sedation varies from plan to plan, so our team is happy to review your benefits with you before treatment so you know what to expect.
If cost is part of what's holding you back, let us know. We'll walk through your options and help you find a payment approach that fits your budget.
Ready to feel calmer about your next visit?
You deserve dental care that feels manageable. We welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Camarillo, and nearby communities. Call 805 Dentistry to schedule a consultation, and we'll help you choose the sedation option that lets you relax.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Talk Through Options
We review your health, your concerns, and your treatment needs to help you choose between nitrous, oral, or IV sedation.
- 2
Relax During Care
On treatment day, we administer your chosen sedation and keep a close eye on your comfort while we complete your care.
- 3
Recover With Guidance
We share clear aftercare instructions, including whether you need someone to drive you home after oral or IV sedation.