19331 Business Center Drive, Suite 101, Northridge, CA 91324
Sedation Dentistry Northridge CA
Sedation Dentistry
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Put an End to Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry

If you feel anxious about seeing a dentist, take heart. You’re not alone. At Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, we offer sedation dentistry to patients with dental anxiety to make it easier for them to receive dental care. Sedation dentistry uses relaxing medications and techniques to eliminate stress, anxiety, and fear when receiving dental treatment. You can enjoy stress-free, relaxing dental visits with sedation dentistry.

How does sedation dentistry work?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to put individuals into a state of relaxation for their dental procedure. It is a great option for those who deal with dental fear or anxiety or find it difficult to remain still. It is also a great option for those with a strong gag reflex. We currently offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to help patients stay calm and comfortable.

What forms of sedation do you offer at Mid-Valley Dental Care?

Mid-Valley Dental Care offers multiple sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation. Nitrous oxide provides mild relaxation and wears off quickly, while oral sedation involves a prescribed pill for moderate relaxation. IV sedation is administered intravenously, making it ideal for extensive procedures or severe anxiety. Our team will help determine the best sedation option for your needs.

Can I expect a safe experience when choosing dental sedation?

Yes. Dental sedation has proven to be a highly safe and effective option for managing dental anxiety and discomfort. Our team at Mid-Valley Dental Care carefully assesses each patient’s medical history and monitors vital signs throughout the procedure. Sedation levels are adjusted to ensure safety and comfort. While minor side effects like drowsiness may occur, serious complications are rare when trained professionals administer sedation.

Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is beneficial for patients with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, difficulty staying still, or a strong gag reflex. It’s also helpful for those undergoing lengthy procedures. Eligibility depends on medical history and health. During consultations, we’ll assess whether sedation is right for you and recommend the safest, most effective option.

Will I be awake during sedation dentistry?

This will depend on the form of dental sedation Dr. Lau utilizes. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, patients will remain awake but deeply relaxed. IV sedation induces a sleep-like state, where patients may have little to no memory of the procedure. Regardless of the method, patients stay comfortable and pain-free. Our team at Mid-Valley Dental Care will discuss your sedation level preferences and ensure you feel at ease throughout treatment.

How long will it take for sedation to wear off?

Recovery time depends on the sedation type. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, allowing the patient to drive home. Oral sedation may take a few hours, requiring someone to drive you to your home. IV sedation has a longer recovery, and patients should rest for the day. We provide post-sedation instructions for a smooth recovery.

How can I prepare for a sedation dentistry appointment?

Before your appointment, follow your dentist’s instructions. Depending on the sedation type, you may need to avoid food and drink for several hours. If receiving oral or IV sedation, arrange for someone to drive you to your home. Please wear comfortable clothing and inform our team of medications or medical conditions. Your comfort and safety are our priority.

The more you learn about sedation dentistry, the more you can benefit from this treatment. To schedule a consultation for sedation dentistry services, contact Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, CA, at (818) 886-3500.

Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP

With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.

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Casey Lau, DDS

Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.

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Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH

Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.

Real Patients. Real Results.