At Dr. Joe Dentistry, we understand the reservations, anxiety, and the legitimate fear many folks have about the dentist. We want you to know that all your fears will be addressed and taken seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure your time with us is as relaxed, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. Dr. Joe and our entire team are some of the kindest, most gentle and caring folks in Torrance, and we have sedation options available to create the most enjoyable dental experience you’ve ever had.
Conscious sedation is different than general anesthetic. General anesthetic is designed to put you to sleep or “put you under” and provide total body anesthetic. General anesthetic requires assisted breathing and heart rate monitoring.
With conscious sedation, you will quickly start to feel very relaxed and comfortable as you drift off into your happy place. You will remain generally able to respond to the doctor, although the details of your appointment will be fuzzy, if you remember anything at all. We offer two types of conscious sedation – nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
If you suffer from any of the following, sedation can help you get the care you need, comfortably.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, comes in the form of a gas (nitrogen and oxygen) that you breathe in through a small mask at the start of your appointment to help you relax. Nitrous oxide has been used safely and effectively to manage pain and anxiety in dentistry for the last two centuries.
Nitrous is a form of conscious sedation, meaning it is not designed to put you under or put you to sleep. Rather, it’s designed to put you in a relaxed, euphoric, waking dream-like state. Many patients feel so good they get the giggles, hence the name laughing gas. The effects of nitrous wear off almost immediately, so you will be safe to drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral sedation comes in the form of a prescription sedative that Dr. Joe will prescribe, based on your individual needs and preferences. You can pick up the sedative at your local pharmacy, and take it about an hour before your appointment to help you relax.
The effects of oral sedation are similar to those of nitrous, although they will be heavier, and take longer to kick in and wear off. For this reason, oral sedation requires someone to drive you to and from your appointment. We want you to get the care you need comfortably and safely.
Sedation allows us to perform more extensive dental work in a single appointment, so you can get it all done in one fell swoop rather than having to come back for return appointments. Many patients find that sedation can actually eliminate their pre-existing fears about the dentist!
If you want to have a healthy mouth and body, you need to visit your Torrance dentist regularly. And unfortunately, dental problems don’t just go away on their own, they only get worse when neglected over time.
That’s why it’s so important for you to get the care you need today if you want to avoid more painful problems and more extensive and costly dental treatments down the road.
If you’re having a hard time picking up the phone to schedule a needed appointment, know we are happy to offer sedation and will do whatever it takes to make your experience a positive and comfortable one.
Schedule a sedation consultation today!
22248 Palos Verdes Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 Get Directions
| Sunday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Monday | 9:00 am - 8:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am - 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Fill out the contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible the following business day.
*Dr. Joe is a general dentist providing orthodontic services.
