Relax with Sedation Dentistry in Santa Barbara, CA 

For over 25 years we have prided ourselves in maintaining a stress free and comfortable environment for our patients. However, we also understand that you may feel some anxiety when visiting the dentist, which is why we offer safe and effective Santa Barbara sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry you ask? Sedation dentistry refers to the use of pharmacological agents called sedatives to relax a patient during a dental appointment. There are several methods that can properly sedate the patient, oral, IV (intravenous), and inhalation. Each method helps keep the patient stable, completely relaxed, and conscious.

Inhalation sedation usually comes in the form of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a sedative that is inhaled. The patient will be asked to breathe in through a mask that is gently placed over the nose. Within minutes, the nitrous will take effect resulting in pure relaxation.

Diazepam, known as Valium, is an oral sedative that has been used in dentistry for decades and is usually taken orally in the form of a pill. One hour before your appointment, the pill is to be swallowed to take a relaxing effect during the procedure. Both diazepam and nitrous oxide are meant to keep you conscious and capable of speaking. No needles are involved in these two types of sedation, making them ideal options for most patients.

Patients who have severe anxieties associated with the smells, sounds, and visuals of dentistry have the option of sedation through an intravenous conscious sedation. Contrary to belief, sedation via IV does not put the patient to sleep. The drugs simply allow the patient to enter a state of deep relaxation with almost no memory of what took place upon completion. This also eliminates the fatigue that you may experience during an extended dental stay. Any patient who wishes to be sedated must have a caregiver available for transportation, as it is normal to feel drowsy for two to six hours following the procedure. 

I have been a client for over 20 years. When I first cameI had to be gassed just to get a mirror in my mouth (due to previous trauma at a dentist office). I am a totally different patient today and as the years have progressed I realize that I am in a very progressive office. If its being done out there in the dental world, it's definitely being done at Santa Barbara Dental.

- Bruce G.

I chose Santa Barbara Dental Care because I prefer to be sedated during dental treatment. Santa Barbara Dental Care is one of few general dental offices who do intravenous sedation and I was very happy to find his office when searching the internet.

My experience has been a very positive . Originally, Iwas seen for minor fillings and one crown. I was sedated for the procedures and I am very happy with the results of the treatment.

In 2012, Dr. Joseph Weber, the implantologist at Santa Barbara Dental Care placed an implant for me after prematurely loosing a tooth that had a cracked root. I was sedated while Dr. Weber placed the implant in their dedicated surgery room. I had no pain or discomfort after the surgical procedure as Dr. Weber had told me during my initial consultation with him.

I am very satisfied with my implant and implant crown that was delivered by Dr. Joseph Weber

I enthusiastically recommend Santa Barbara Dental Care for technology, skill, and specialized training that benefits patients.

- P. Berman