What To Expect If You Are Going Under Sedation – Everything You Need To Know

Sedation dentistry is a very useful tool, and it helps you get the treatment you need even if you’re nervous about your appointment at Coronado Dental Associates. We use nitrous oxide to keep you calm and comfortable. If you’re wondering what to expect if you get sedation during your appointment at our office, read on and get all of the details you need.
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What To Expect From The Sedation Process

Nitrous oxide sedation is really simple, and requires minimal preparation on your part. Here’s a quick overview of what happens before, during, and after your treatment at our office in Coronado. 

• Before your appointment – You don’t need to do anything special before your appointment. Just dress comfortably, and come to your appointment on time. You also may want to avoid eating a heavy meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. This won’t interfere with sedation, but having a really full stomach could increase your risk of nausea after your sedation wears off.
  
  
• During sedation – You’ll lay back in your chair, and Dr. Villalobos or Dr. Meadows will put a comfortable mask on your nose. They will adjust the mask to send a stream of oxygen and nitrous oxide directly into your lungs. Just breathe in through your nose as directed. The sedative will take hold almost immediately. You’ll feel comfortable and relaxed, and a little bit disconnected from what’s happening around you. You may even find things to be strange or funny, which is how nitrous oxide has the nickname “laughing gas.”
  
  
• After sedation – Once your appointment is over, Dr. Villalobos or Dr. Meadows will adjust the machinery to send a stream of 100% pure oxygen through your nose mask. You’ll breathe this in for a few minutes to purge any remaining nitrous oxide from your lungs. You’ll feel totally normal after about 5 minutes. Some minor side effects like nausea, headaches, and confusion may happen, but wear off quickly.
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Will I Feel Any Pain?

Absolutely not. We offer nitrous oxide sedation at our office, and we also use powerful numbing drugs to numb your mouth during treatment. The combination of sedation and numbing means that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort at all.
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Will I Remember Everything?

Yes. Nitrous oxide has pretty mild effects, so you’ll be fully aware of what’s happening during your appointment. You can respond to questions, interact with our team normally, and follow commands without any issues, and you’ll remember your whole appointment.
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Will I Be Groggy? 

Not at all. Unlike some deeper methods of sedation, nitrous oxide won’t leave you feeling groggy. After just a few minutes, you’ll feel totally normal, and you can get back to your daily routine. You can even drive yourself home or back to work/school after nitrous oxide, which is not possible with any other type of sedation.
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Learn More About Sedation – Schedule Your Appointment At Our Office Today!

If you’re interested in dental sedation in Coronado, Imperial Beach, or Downtown San Diego, our team is here for you. We can provide you with the dental care you need in a comfortable, relaxed, and judgment-free environment. Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 435-0844 to schedule a consultation and get the care you need.