Sedation Dentistry – Chula Vista, CA
Keep Calm With Dedicated Dental Sedation Techniques

Creating a comfortable and relaxing dental environment for you and your family is one of Village Walk Dental’s top priorities. While we do whatever we can to ensure that your accommodations are met, we understand that some patients may find it incredibly difficult to complete essential dental treatment due to anxiety, nervousness, or fear. This is where oral conscious sedation dentistry in our Chula Vista, CA dental office can be incredibly helpful, both for your nerves and for your long-term oral health.
Why Choose Village Walk Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Powerful Sedation That Keeps You at Peace
- Easily Administered Through a Pill
- Get Care from a Comforting and Friendly Team
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation achieves a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide, and it comes with the added bonus of not involving a nasal mask or any needles whatsoever. Better yet, it allows patients to remain both conscious and comfortable throughout their appointment. To learn a little more about this unique sedation option or to see if it’s a good option for you, don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with a team member!
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation refers to a type of sedation that’s induced via a prescribed oral medication (a small pill), rather than a nasal mask or IV needle. These medications often include Valium, Ativan, or Halcion. Patients are given the medication before their appointment so that by the time they’re seated for treatment, its effects have kicked in.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Keep in mind that oral conscious sedation does not cause a patient to become unconscious; rather, it induces a very deep state of relaxation. You might feel drowsy and drift off to sleep, but you should be easily stirred with a gentle touch or light shake.
These effects are long-lasting; however, time will seem to pass very quickly during the appointment. You’ll still be able to answer any questions we ask and respond to instructions, though you will need to schedule a ride to the office and back home with a trusted friend or family member since the effects will likely linger for several hours following your visit.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

We’ll always review your medical history closely before determining if oral conscious sedation is a safe and suitable option for you. That said, oral conscious sedation is typically a great option for:
- Patients who suffer from dental-related fear, anxiety, or nervousness, as well as those who’ve had negative dental experiences in the past – this includes children!
- Patients who regularly cancel, reschedule, or put off dental appointments due to fear of receiving bad news.
- Patients who have a sensitive gag reflex or those who have difficulty sitting still or keeping their mouths open.
- Patients receiving multiple treatments or one longer treatment in one appointment.
- Patients who are unable or have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Can dental sedation make you sick?
There is minimal risk of experiencing any kind of negative side effects after receiving oral conscious sedation; however, it’s not 100% without possibility. As a pill medication that you are prescribed by our dental team, you must first undergo a thorough evaluation before it can be provided. The reason is that we must determine if you suffer from any condition or allergy that could make receiving this type of sedation harmful to your health.
If you are cleared to receive oral conscious sedation, you’ll be unlikely to experience any bad side effects; however, if you do feel slightly nauseous after your appointment, it will only be temporary. One important thing to remember is that you should not eat anything before your procedure if you plan to receive oral conscious sedation, as this can cause you to become nauseous afterward.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Many patients fear that once they receive any kind of dental sedation they will begin to say things they would never tell anyone. The good news is that oral conscious sedation or any kind of similar solution is not a type of truth serum. You will not be divulging your deepest, darkest secrets to our sedation dentist in Chula Vista or our dental team. Instead, you’ll remain comfortable and relaxed, and maybe even doze off.
Should you say something that could cause you to feel embarrassed in any other situation, do not worry. We are a team of professionals who will not disclose any kind of information.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
One of the great benefits of oral conscious sedation in Chula Vista is that it does not cause patients to remember much from their appointment. Since many individuals struggle with the idea of simply going to the dentist’s office, this amnesiac effect can be a welcomed relief. Instead of worrying that you’ll remember everything that happened during your appointment, you’ll embrace a more relaxed state that allows you to get the care you need.
Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant?
When it comes to receiving oral conscious sedation, it’s recommended that you wait until after your baby is born before moving forward with any kind of dental procedure. It’s possible that the medication can be passed on through the placenta, so most dentists tend to err on the side of caution. Administering sedation during the first trimester can cause developmental issues with your baby while doing so in the third trimester can lead to preterm labor. Generally, if a dental issue must be addressed during pregnancy, it’s recommended that it be done in the second trimester.