
Mar
At Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, California, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause anxiety for many people. Whether you deeply fear dental procedures or want to feel more comfortable during treatment, sedation dentistry can help. We offer sedation options like nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and NuCalm to ensure your experience is relaxed and stress-free. To help you make an informed decision, here are answers to some of the most common questions about sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help you relax during dental procedures. While it doesn’t put you to sleep, it lets you feel calm and at ease throughout your visit. At Sonoma Smiles, we offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and NuCalm. These methods ensure you receive the highest quality care while staying comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.
Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is one of the most popular sedation methods used in dentistry. It’s inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. The gas relaxes you almost instantly and helps to reduce anxiety. It wears off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities right after your appointment. Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who experience mild dental anxiety but still need to stay awake during the procedure.
Oral sedation involves taking it before your appointment to help you relax. The medication typically makes you sleepy; in some cases, you may even fall asleep during the procedure. While awake, you may not remember much of the treatment afterward. Oral sedation is perfect for patients who need more sedation than nitrous oxide offers but still want to be able to respond to the dentist’s instructions.
NuCalm is a unique, non-invasive system designed to help you relax without using medications. It uses a combination of light therapy, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, and calming audio to reduce stress and anxiety. NuCalm is an excellent option for patients who prefer a drug-free approach to sedation but still want to feel relaxed and calm during their dental visits. It’s perfect for long procedures or for those who struggle with severe dental anxiety.
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by an experienced dentist. At Sonoma Smiles, we carefully evaluate your medical history to determine the most appropriate sedation method. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and NuCalm are all safe when used in a controlled environment under the guidance of a trained professional. Your safety is our top priority.
Sedation dentistry is ideal for anyone who experiences dental anxiety, has a strong gag reflex, or needs to undergo lengthy or complex dental procedures. Whether you’re afraid of needles or want to ensure a stress-free experience, sedation dentistry can help make your visit more comfortable. At Sonoma Smiles, we work with patients of all ages to create a relaxing and positive dental experience.
If you’re seeking sedation dentistry in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma Smiles is here to help you relax during your treatment. We’ll find the best option if you prefer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or NuCalm. Call (707) 868-0666 today to book an appointment.
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A renowned cosmetic dentist in Sonoma County, Dr. Sutton has over 20 years of experience and maintains a standard of excellence at his implant center using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton received his postgraduate at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and his doctorate and three years of experience as a clinical instructor from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997, where he was the only one to receive the “Clinical Excellence Award”. He also studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group and earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.
Today, Dr. Sutton takes over 4 times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.