If dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or a lengthy procedure has kept you from getting care, sedation options at LA Periodontics can help you stay calm, comfortable, and relaxed from start to finish.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during periodontal treatment. Depending on your needs, our doctors may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation to reduce anxiety, minimize discomfort, and make longer or more involved procedures easier to tolerate.
Sedation does not replace local anesthesia, which is still used to numb the treatment area. Instead, it helps quiet the nervousness, restlessness, or fear that can make sitting through a periodontal procedure difficult, so you can receive the care you need without dreading the appointment.
Our team will review your health history and the specific procedure planned, whether it is dental implant placement, a gum graft, or periodontal surgery, to recommend the sedation level that fits your situation and comfort goals.
Every sedation plan starts with a conversation about your health, your anxiety level, and the procedure ahead, so there are no surprises on treatment day.
Sedation is not required for every visit, but it can make a meaningful difference for patients in the situations below.
Patients who feel significant anxiety, nervousness, or fear at the thought of dental treatment.
Patients undergoing longer or more involved procedures, such as dental implant placement or extensive periodontal surgery.
Patients with a pronounced gag reflex that makes routine periodontal care physically difficult.
Patients who have avoided dental care for years and need to catch up on treatment in fewer visits.
Patients sensitive to sound, smell, or sensation who find routine dental stimuli overwhelming.
Children or patients with special needs who benefit from a calmer, more manageable appointment.
Depending on your needs and the procedure planned, our doctors may recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. We will discuss which option fits your situation during your consultation.
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a mild sedative that has been used safely in dentistry for many years. It is inhaled through a small nasal mask, takes effect quickly, and wears off shortly after treatment, allowing most patients to drive themselves home.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel calm and drowsy. IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for a deeper level of relaxation that our team can adjust throughout your procedure. Both require a driver to bring you home.
Most sedation options used at our practice keep you in a relaxed, conscious state rather than fully unconscious. You will typically be able to respond to instructions, though many patients remember little of the procedure afterward.
If you receive only nitrous oxide, you can usually drive yourself home once it wears off in our office. For oral or IV sedation, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Sedation dentistry is a well-established option for helping anxious patients get the periodontal care they need. Our team reviews your medical history closely and monitors you throughout treatment to help ensure your comfort and safety.
During your consultation, we will talk through your anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of your planned procedure. From there, our periodontists will recommend the option that balances your comfort with your safety.
Coverage for sedation varies by insurance plan and the procedure being performed. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain any costs before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Sedation is frequently used alongside more involved periodontal procedures. Learn more about the treatments our doctors perform most often under sedation, including dental implants, and explore related topics like dental trauma care and oral HPV and oral cancer screening.
Talk to our team about sedation options and find the approach that lets you get the periodontal care you need without the anxiety.
We'll confirm your visit within one business day.
