Why We Would Recommend Sedation During Your Appointment?

We know that going to the dentist can be frightening for some individuals. It’s called dental phobia, and it’s something millions of Americans experience. At our practice, we use sedation to help our patients feel anxiety-free and relaxed during their treatment. If you suffer from dental phobia, Dr. Morshedi may recommend one of several types of sedation after reviewing your medical history.

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Types Of Sedation Dentistry At Palo Alto Dental Center

The next level of sedation is oral sedation, which does not require the use of needles. There are a variety of different medications that we provide here at Palo Alto Dental Center. It will be up to your medical history and the recommendation of Dr. Morshedi to decide which one will be your best choice. Oral sedation requires that you have a ride home from your appointment. You’ll want to have a trustworthy family member or friend take you home.

Rest Easy About Your Treatment With Palo Alto Dental Center

No matter what your dental experience has been in the past, we are confident that your experience here at Palo Alto Dental Center will be a comfortable and anxiety-free one. If you suffer from dental anxiety, please give us a call at (650) 494-1122 or email us. We’re confident we have a solution that will relieve you of dental anxiety and help your experience here at Palo Alto Dental Center be pleasant.

Sedation Options for Dental Anxiety

For patients with dental anxiety, the option of sedation can make the difference between avoiding necessary care and getting treatment done comfortably. Depending on your medical history and the level of anxiety or treatment complexity involved, Dr. Morshedi may recommend nitrous oxide for mild relaxation during a procedure, or oral sedation for a deeper, more calming effect for more involved treatment.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, wears off quickly after your appointment, allowing most patients to drive themselves home. Oral sedation provides a more pronounced calming effect but requires a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and anxiety level together to determine which option, if any, is the right fit for your visit.

Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between nitrous oxide and oral sedation?

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides mild, fast-acting relaxation that wears off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home. Oral sedation offers a deeper calming effect but requires someone to drive you home after your appointment.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, when administered by a trained provider after a review of your medical history. Dr. Morshedi evaluates your health history before recommending any form of sedation to ensure it’s an appropriate and safe option for you.

Will I be unconscious during oral sedation?

No, oral sedation used at Palo Alto Dental Center keeps you in a relaxed, conscious state rather than fully asleep. You’ll still be able to respond to the dental team, but you’ll likely feel calm and may not remember much of the procedure afterward.