Comfortable Care for Every Patient
Dentistry Without the Anxiety
Does dental anxiety keep you from getting the care you know you need? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to push through it. At Avion Dental, we offer multiple levels of sedation, including sedation dentistry chino hills, so that every patient, regardless of their anxiety level, can receive comfortable, stress-free dental care.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps you feel calm, relaxed, and at ease during dental procedures. It’s a moderate level of sedation — you’re still technically awake, but feeling very carefree. It’s sometimes called conscious sedation dentistry or “twilight sleep” because it creates a state of short-term amnesia where you experience insensitivity to pain without losing consciousness. It’s especially beneficial for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy treatment.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is extremely common — and nothing to be ashamed of. It can stem from specific triggers like needles, drills, or the clinical setting itself, or from past negative experiences with a dentist. At Avion Dental, we believe that even extreme dental anxiety is manageable and should never be a barrier to receiving care. Sedation allows us to keep patients calm for the duration of their treatment so they can get the work they need — comfortably and without fear.
Your Options
Types of Sedation Dentistry
We offer a range of sedation options — the right fit depends on your level of anxiety, the complexity of your treatment, and your overall health.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous Oxide
A mild sedative mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small nasal mask. You feel light-headed, tingly, and deeply relaxed within minutes. Effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, so you can drive yourself home.
Prescription Pill
Oral Conscious Sedation
A prescription sedative pill taken the night before and the morning of your procedure. You remain conscious and able to respond, but feel deeply at ease with little memory of the appointment. A companion is required to drive you home.
Intravenous Sedation
IV Sedation
The deepest level of sedation, rendering you fully asleep for the duration of your procedure. Administered and monitored by a trained anesthesia provider. Reserved for complex cases, significant medical needs, or severe dental phobia where other sedation levels are not enough.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Anyone in good health can be a candidate for sedation dentistry, but it is especially effective for patients who experience any of the following:
- Phobia of dental procedures
- Difficulty getting numb with local anesthetic
- Sensitive teeth or oral nerves
- Complex or lengthy dental treatment
- Resistance to local anesthetic
- A small mouth that aches during dental work
- General anxiety disorder
- Strong gag reflex
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Absolutely. Before any sedation is administered, your dentist conducts a thorough preliminary consultation — reviewing your medical and oral history, current medications, and any allergies to confirm your eligibility. Your vital signs are monitored closely throughout the procedure. Some conditions, such as hypertension, may require clearance from your primary care physician beforehand.
The Experience
What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?
When the sedative takes effect, most patients describe a deeply relaxed, dream-like state of mind. You are unaware of the events happening around you, though you can still respond to your dentist’s requests if needed.
The short-term amnesia effect of IV sedation means complex procedures that once felt daunting are over before you know it — leaving you relaxed, comfortable, and cared for.
What to Expect
Before & After Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
Before Your Appointment
- Avoid eating or drinking for 10 hours before your appointment.
- Take your regular medications with a small sip of water, unless instructed otherwise.
- Do not smoke for 24 hours before your procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing — no jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses.
- Brush your teeth before arriving.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment.
After Your Appointment
- You will remain in recovery until you are fully alert before being released.
- You may feel drowsy — plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.
- Your companion is responsible for driving you home.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours as the medication clears your system.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Contact our office if you experience any unexpected symptoms.
Ready for a Stress-Free Visit?
Call us or book online — our team will find the right sedation option for you.