Who Sedation Dentistry Helps
- Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
- Patients who have avoided the dentist for years
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Patients undergoing long or complex procedures
- Patients with sensitive teeth or low pain tolerance
- Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Children who cannot stay still for treatment
If anxiety is the reason you've been putting off care, sedation dentistry was made for you. Tell us about your concerns at your consultation - we will recommend the right level of sedation for your situation and the procedure you need.
Sedation Options at Fusion Dental
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
The mildest form of sedation. Inhaled through a small nose mask. Creates a relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling within minutes. Wears off completely within 5-10 minutes after the mask is removed - you can drive yourself home and return to normal activity immediately. Ideal for mild anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A prescription pill (usually a benzodiazepine such as triazolam) taken before your appointment. You remain conscious and able to respond, but deeply relaxed. Most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. Requires a driver. Ideal for moderate to severe anxiety.
IV Sedation
Administered through an IV by our team. You enter a twilight state - your eyes may be open and you can respond to simple instructions, but you will have virtually no memory of the procedure. Requires a driver and a quiet day to recover. Recommended for complex extractions, multiple procedures in one visit, or patients with severe dental phobia.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes - when administered by a trained, monitored team. At Fusion Dental, every sedation appointment includes:
- A pre-sedation health and medication review
- Continuous monitoring of your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
- Emergency equipment and trained staff on-site at all times
- Clear pre-appointment fasting and post-appointment recovery instructions
Most healthy patients are good candidates for at least one form of sedation. We will review your medical history at your consultation and recommend the safest, most appropriate option for your situation.
What to Expect on the Day of Sedation
Before your appointment: Follow the fasting instructions we give you (none for nitrous, 6 hours for oral sedation, 8 hours for IV). Wear comfortable clothing. If you're having oral or IV sedation, arrange for a licensed driver to bring you home.
At your appointment: We confirm your sedation choice, review your health history one more time, and get you comfortable. For nitrous, you'll start breathing the gas through a nose mask. For oral sedation, the pill takes effect within 30-60 minutes. For IV, sedation begins within minutes of placement.
During the procedure: You will be continuously monitored. Most patients describe the experience as restful. With oral and IV sedation, the procedure feels as though it took only minutes - even when it took an hour or more.
After the procedure: Nitrous patients can drive home and resume normal activity. Oral and IV patients need a quiet rest of the day with a sober adult present. Full alertness returns within several hours; you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours.
Why Patients Choose Fusion Dental
- βTwo convenient Northern California locations - Roseville and El Dorado Hills offices serving the entire Sacramento region with same-day appointments and free new-patient exams.
- βSedation options for every comfort level - Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation available so anxious patients can relax through any procedure.
- βMost insurance accepted, financing for everyone else - We verify your benefits in advance and offer flexible monthly payment plans so you always know your cost upfront.






