Sedation Dentistry in Chico, CA

At Ashley Harrison DDS, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. That’s why we’re proud to offer sedation dentistry in Chico, CA. Our compassionate team is committed to providing safe and effective sedation options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during dental treatment. Whether you need a routine cleaning or more complex dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make your visit stress-free and pleasant. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where every patient is treated with care and respect.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The primary goal of sedation dentistry is to provide a stress-free environment where patients feel at ease, regardless of the type of treatment being performed.

Levels of Sedation

  • Minimal sedation: The patient remains awake but feels relaxed and at ease.
  • Moderate sedation (Conscious Sedation): The patient remains responsive but may not remember much of the procedure.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals requiring extensive dental procedures. No matter the level of sedation, our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and secure throughout your treatment.

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Benefits of sedation dentistry

There are numerous benefits to choosing sedation dentistry for your next dental visit:

  • Reduces anxiety: Sedation helps patients with dental fears feel at ease, making it easier to undergo necessary dental treatment.
  • Pain-free experience: Many patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, even with extensive treatments.
  • Time efficiency: Complex or multiple procedures can be completed in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments.
  • Improves oral health: Patients who avoid the dentist due to anxiety are more likely to address oral health issues with sedation options available.
  • Feeling comfortable: Sedation ensures a relaxed experience, allowing patients to focus on the benefits of their treatment rather than their fears.
  • Supportive environment: Our team makes it a priority to create a welcoming space where you feel like family. This approach, paired with sedation options, ensures you have the best dental experience possible.




Types of sedation options we offer in Chico, CA

We offer safe and effective sedation methods tailored to your needs. Here are the common types of sedation available:

a middle aged woman sits in the dental chair and is smiling

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your dental visit. This method offers a deeper level of sedation compared to nitrous oxide, making it an excellent choice for patients with moderate dental anxiety. With oral sedation, the patient remains awake but may feel drowsy and relaxed. Some patients may even feel like they could fall asleep during the procedure. Someone will need to drive you home after the procedure, as the sedative effects can linger for a few hours.

A little boy has a tube over his nose providing inhalable nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It induces a state of relaxation while keeping you fully conscious. Laughing gas wears off quickly, so you can resume normal activities shortly after your appointment and even drive yourself home after the procedure.

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What to expect during sedation dentistry

Here’s what you can expect when you choose sedation dentistry at our office:

  • Consultation and assessment: During your initial visit, we will evaluate your medical history and discuss your concerns to determine the best level of sedation for your needs.
  • Preparation: You’ll be instructed on how to prepare. For oral sedation, this may include fasting for a certain period. You will also need to provide our office with the contact information of the adult who will be driving you to and from your appointment on your procedure date.
  • Administration of sedation: Depending on the method chosen, sedation will be administered before or at the start of your procedure.
  • Relaxation and comfort: Once the sedation takes effect, you’ll feel calm and comfortable. Many patients experience little to no memory of the procedure and respond to verbal instructions as needed.
  • Aftercare: For deeper sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. We’ll provide detailed post-care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
a woman brushing her dentures

Understanding the side effects of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is generally safe when performed by a qualified professional, but patients may experience mild side effects. These can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Slight nausea

Our team will review all potential side effects during your consultation and ensure you feel informed and comfortable about your sedation choice. We strive to provide a seamless and positive experience from start to finish.

Cost of sedation dentistry in Chico, CA

The cost of sedation dentistry varies depending on the type of sedation used and the complexity of your dental procedure.

Some dental insurance plans may partially cover sedation. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and provide transparent pricing upfront. We also offer flexible payment plans to ensure sedation dentistry is accessible to everyone.

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Schedule your sedation dental appointment in Chico, CA

Don’t let dental anxiety or fear of pain prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. At Ashley Harrison DDS, we prioritize your comfort and well-being with our sedation dentistry options. Our caring team, welcoming environment, and personalized care ensure that every patient feels like a valued member of our dental family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

FAQ


What is oral sedation?

Oral sedation is a type of sedation dentistry involving prescription medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Often administered as a pill taken before the appointment, oral sedation induces a deep sense of calm while allowing the patient to remain awake and responsive to verbal instructions. This method is particularly effective for individuals with dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive treatments. Some patients may feel so at ease that they nearly fall asleep during the procedure. The effects can last for several hours, requiring a companion to provide transportation before and after the appointment.

Do you feel pain with oral sedation?

No, you typically do not feel pain with oral sedation. This sedation method works by helping you relax and significantly dulling your perception of discomfort. While oral sedation doesn’t act as an anesthetic, it is often combined with local anesthesia to ensure complete pain relief during the procedure. The calming effects of the sedative allow you to feel deeply at ease, and many patients remain so comfortable they may feel like they could fall asleep. This makes it an excellent option for individuals with dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy or invasive dental treatments.

How long does it take for sedation to wear off?

The effects of sedation depend on the type and dosage used. For oral sedation, most patients feel its effects for 4–6 hours, though drowsiness may persist for several hours after the procedure. It’s common to feel relaxed and slightly groggy immediately after treatment, so it’s important to have someone available to drive you home. Recovery times can vary based on factors like metabolism and the specific sedative used. We will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities are recommended until the sedation completely wears off.

To learn more about our office and available services, give us a call!

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