Dental Sedation in Whittier, CA

Safe & Comfortable Sedation for Stress-Free Oral Surgery

We provide IV sedation, general anesthesia, and oral sedation, each tailored to your needs and monitored for safety. Our goal is to help you receive necessary dental care without stress or discomfort.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation uses medication or anesthesia to help patients relax or sleep during procedures. It is beneficial for:

• Patients with dental fear or anxiety – Learn more about dental fear and anxiety solutions
• Oral surgery procedures (such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implants)
• Patients with a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting still
• Multiple treatments in a single visit

Types of Dental Sedation

IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation)

IV sedation delivers medication into the bloodstream, providing deep relaxation while keeping you responsive to instructions. Commonly used for:

• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Dental implant placement
• Bone grafting and sinus augmentation

Benefits:

• Fast-acting and adjustable
• Little to no memory of the procedure
• Ideal for moderate to severe dental anxiety

General Anesthesia (Sleep Dentistry)

General anesthesia induces complete unconsciousness, ensuring zero awareness or discomfort during treatment. Recommended for:

• Extensive oral surgery procedures
• Facial trauma reconstruction
• Patients with extreme dental fear

Benefits:

• Fully asleep and pain-free
• Best for complex surgeries
• Requires post-procedure monitoring for recovery

Oral Conscious Sedation (Pill Sedation)

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before treatment, allowing you to feel calm yet awake. Ideal for:

• Mild to moderate dental anxiety
• Routine oral surgery procedures
• Patients who prefer a needle-free sedation option

Benefits:

• Easy to take with no IV required
• Reduces anxiety while keeping you alert
• Some drowsiness after treatment

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a mild inhaled sedative that helps patients feel relaxed during procedures. It wears off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities.

Benefits:

• Fast-acting and easily adjustable
• Safe for children and adults
• No lingering drowsiness

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation?

You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:

• Have moderate to severe dental anxiety
• Need oral surgery, extractions, or implant placement
• Have a strong gag reflex or heightened sensitivity
• Require multiple procedures in a single visit
• Have difficulty sitting still for long treatments

During your consultation, Dr. Ryu and Dr. Tanabe will review your medical history and procedure details to determine the best sedation option for you.

What to Expect Before & After Sedation

Before Your Appointment

• Avoid food and drink for 6-8 hours before IV sedation or general anesthesia
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation
• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy makeup or jewelry

After the Procedure

• Recovery time depends on the sedation method used
• IV sedation and general anesthesia require several hours of rest
• Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for 24 hours
• Stick to soft foods and stay hydrated as recommended by your surgeon