Some patients feel more than ordinary nervousness about dental care, and for them a light mask of nitrous oxide may not be enough. Oral conscious sedation offers a deeper, yet still gentle, level of relaxation that can make treatment feel effortless, without the complexity of IV sedation or general anesthesia.
With oral conscious sedation, you take a prescribed medication before your appointment, as directed by Dr. Leong. By the time treatment begins you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy, though you remain conscious and able to respond. Many patients recall very little of the visit afterward, which is a relief for those who have avoided dental care because of anxiety or difficult past experiences.
Because the medication takes time to wear off, oral sedation requires a bit of planning. You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. We provide clear instructions beforehand and monitor you closely throughout the visit for your safety and comfort.
Oral conscious sedation is not appropriate for everyone, so a careful review of your health history and current medications is essential. For lighter needs, nitrous oxide may be the better choice, and it can be discussed at your visit. Please note that we do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia in our office. Our goal is simple: to remove anxiety as a barrier so you can get the endodontic care you need in comfort.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person examination. In-office comfort options are limited to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and, for appropriate patients, oral conscious sedation. We do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia. Suitability is determined after a review of your health history.
Benefits
- A deeper level of relaxation for high dental anxiety
- You remain conscious and responsive throughout
- Many patients recall little of the procedure
- Helps patients who have long avoided dental care
- Carefully screened and monitored for safety
What to expect at your visit
You take a prescribed medication before arriving and feel deeply relaxed during treatment while remaining responsive. Because it takes time to wear off, you will need a driver and a restful day afterward. We monitor you closely the entire visit.
Is this right for you?
Oral conscious sedation may suit patients with significant dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, or a history of stressful dental visits. Suitability depends on your health history and medications, which we review carefully.
Cost & insurance
Oral conscious sedation requires a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and is not appropriate for everyone. A full review of your health history and medications is required. We do not offer IV sedation or general anesthesia.
For details on coverage and payment options, see insurance & financing, and if this is your first visit, our new patient guide walks through exactly what to expect.
We provide oral conscious sedation to patients across San Francisco’s west side, including Lake Merced, West Portal, and Balboa Terrace. See all the areas we serve.
