Dental Sedation Options
If you are one of many people who have moderate to severe anxiety about scheduling your next dental appointment, sedation dentistry can give you the peace of mind to ensure you receive the treatment you need. An experienced sedation dentist like Drs. Stephen, Kimberly, and Piper Dankworth understand your concerns and offer a variety of sedation dentistry options as well as many other comforts to help you maintain proper oral health care.
Why See a Sedation Dentist?
Visiting a sedation dentist gives you the ability to overcome any obstacles you may face regarding your oral health care. You may have had a bad experience in the past with a dentist, or possibly remember an unpleasant office visit from your childhood. This can often cause fear and anxiety which is extremely difficult to overcome. Our office, located in Carslbad and convenient to Encinitas and San Marcos, CA, offers two types of sedation dentistry services including laughing gas and oral conscious sedation which are both safe and very effective.
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Types of Dental Sedation
Laughing Gas and Oral Sedation in Carlsbad

Dr. Dankworth uses a number of different conscious sedation methods for his patients. Each conscious sedation method will provide you with the ability to relax while your dental procedure is completed.
The types of sedation dentistry we use at La Costa Dental Excellence include:
Minimal Inhaled Sedation
This type of sedation is done by having you breathe in laughing gas. The laughing gas is administered through a face mask and combined with oxygen. The laughing gas mixture is breathed in through the nose. Laughing gas is what provides the relaxing agent. One of the benefits this type of sedation is you will likely be able to drive home after the procedure.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation, which is another conscious sedation method, can range from minimal to moderate levels, dependent on the amount or dose that is given. A pill is given for minimal conscious sedation and is typically given about an hour prior to the procedure. You will still be awake after taking the pill; however, it will make you drowsy, hence it is conscious sedation but you may be a little sleepy. A larger dose can be given in order to produce a moderate level of sedation. This is the type of anesthesia that is most commonly associated with any type of sedation dentistry. There are some people who may become so groggy during the moderate oral sedation that they fall asleep during the procedure; however, this is not always the case or the goal of the sedation.
How Sedation Dentistry Works

– Tiffany
Prior to your conscious sedation appointment, you will swallow a small pill provided by our sedation dentist. A friend or family member will drive you to our Carlsbad office as the conscious sedation sets in. By the time you arrive, you will be drowsy and comfortable. You will continue to relax in your treatment room with a warm blanket. Your vital signs will be monitored as our highly trained and experienced clinical team will fulfill your dental needs.
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Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
Proper maintenance and dental care is essential for protecting your smile. With La Costa Dental Excellence’s sedation dentistry, your next trip to our Carlsbad, San Diego office can be as painless and anxiety-free as possible. Give your teeth get the attention they deserve — sedation dentistry can give you the courage to take control of your dental health. Candidates for conscious sedation include adults who have:
- High fear
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb from anesthetic
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Limited time to complete dental care
- Complex dental problems
- Fear of needles and shots
- Aversion to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
- Embarrassment about their teeth
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Benefits of Visiting a Sedation Dentist

Regular Oral Health Care | Your oral health is very important and the latest advances in sedation dentistry make it easy for you to receive the necessary dental care you need for a healthy smile. Regular office visits will keep you looking and feeling great, while preventing any future oral health issues.
Safety | Visiting an experienced sedation dentist is crucial to maintaining a beautiful smile. We offer safe sedation dentistry solutions, including conscious sedation, which has helped many patients who normally suffer from intense “dental phobia”.
Peace of Mind | Overcoming your fears is easy once you understand the sedation dentistry options available. With regular office visits you can rest assured that you are receiving the care you need and that you’re taking the preventive measures necessary for a lifetime of good oral health.
A Beautiful Healthy Smile | With so many sedation options available, you can say goodbye to whatever is holding you back from a stunning, healthy smile.
Get Sedation Dentistry in Carlsbad CA
Contact us today to find out more about our sedation dentistry services or to schedule your next visit! We are located in Carlsbad on the corner of Rancho Santa Fe Rd and La Costa Ave, convenient to neighboring communities including Encinitas and San Marcos, CA.