A smiling patient during a dentist appointment showing a close-up of the dental tools in use, emphasizing care, hygiene, and comfort in oral health practice.

Everything You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety-Free Visits

By the team at Marina Dentistry, Marina del Rey, CA

If just hearing the word “dentist” makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 36% of adults experience dental anxiety, and around 12% have extreme dental fear—often putting off the care they need for years.

At Marina Dentistry, Dr. Sameer Aljanedi and our compassionate team specialize in helping patients experience calm, comfortable, and completely stress-free dental visits through sedation dentistry. Whether you need a simple cleaning or advanced implant surgery, our goal is to make your experience anxiety-free and pain-free.

In this guide, we’ll explain what sedation dentistry is, how it works, who it’s for, and what to expect during your visit.


What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses safe, proven medications to help patients relax during dental treatment. Unlike general anesthesia, you remain awake (or lightly asleep, depending on the level) and able to respond, but you feel calm, comfortable, and often remember very little of the procedure.

At Marina Dentistry, we offer multiple levels of sedation based on your needs and comfort level:

  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A light sedative inhaled through a small mask. It takes effect within minutes and wears off quickly after your visit—so you can drive yourself home.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation: A prescribed pill taken before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed. You’ll remain awake but drowsy and may not recall parts of the procedure.
  • IV Sedation: Ideal for longer or more complex treatments like implants or multiple procedures. Administered by a certified professional, IV sedation allows for precise control over your comfort throughout the visit.

“Our approach to sedation is always personalized,” says Dr. Aljanedi.
“We want each patient to feel completely safe, in control, and cared for every step of the way.”


Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for those with severe dental fear—it’s beneficial for a wide range of patients, including those who:

✅ Experience anxiety or panic before dental visits
✅ Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
✅ Struggle with a sensitive gag reflex
✅ Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
✅ Require extensive dental work or multiple treatments in one visit
✅ Have special needs or physical limitations that make sitting still challenging

Many of our patients at Marina Dentistry in Marina del Rey say they wish they’d discovered sedation dentistry sooner. For them, it’s the key that unlocked lifelong oral health without the stress.


The Science Behind Stress-Free Dentistry

Dental anxiety often triggers your body’s “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate, muscle tension, and sensitivity to pain. Sedation dentistry interrupts this stress cycle—allowing your body to remain relaxed, calm, and comfortable throughout your treatment.

Sedation can also:

  • Reduce pain sensitivity
  • Minimize gag reflex
  • Decrease fatigue during long procedures
  • Help your dentist work more efficiently for faster results

“We use modern sedation methods that are extremely safe and precisely monitored,” explains Dr. Aljanedi.
“Patients are often amazed at how relaxed they feel and how quickly the appointment goes by.”


What to Expect During a Sedation Dentistry Appointment

Here’s a step-by-step look at what your experience might be like at Marina Dentistry:

Step 1: Personalized Consultation

You’ll meet with Dr. Aljanedi to discuss your dental history, anxiety level, and treatment goals. We’ll review your health background to choose the safest and most effective sedation option for you.

Step 2: Pre-Visit Preparation

If you’re prescribed oral medication, we’ll provide clear instructions on when and how to take it. For IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

Step 3: Comfortable Treatment

When you arrive, our team will make sure you’re relaxed before beginning. Your sedation will be administered under close monitoring. You’ll remain aware enough to respond, but calm enough to feel at ease throughout your visit.

Step 4: Smooth Recovery

After your procedure, we’ll monitor you briefly until you’re alert and comfortable. Most patients recover quickly—with little or no memory of the dental work itself.


Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is extremely safe when performed by experienced professionals. At Marina Dentistry, every sedation case is closely monitored using modern equipment and protocols.

Will I feel pain?
No. Sedation relaxes your body and increases your tolerance for discomfort. Combined with local anesthesia, most patients feel nothing during treatment.

Can I drive home after sedation?
If you receive nitrous oxide, yes. For oral or IV sedation, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.

How long will I feel drowsy?
Effects vary by type—nitrous wears off within minutes, while oral and IV sedation may take a few hours. Most patients feel back to normal by the next day.

Is sedation covered by insurance?
Some plans cover it for complex procedures. Our front office can help verify your benefits and explore financing options if needed.


Why Choose Marina Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry

At Marina Dentistry, we understand that dental fear can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created an environment designed for calm, compassionate care—from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave.

Our advantages include:

  • Expertise: Dr. Sameer Aljanedi has safely treated thousands of patients, including those with high dental anxiety.
  • Technology: We use modern monitoring systems and minimally invasive techniques to maximize safety and comfort.
  • Comprehensive Services: Sedation is available for everything—from routine cleanings and fillings to All-on-X dental implants, crowns, and root canals.
  • Soothing Atmosphere: Patients love our relaxed, friendly team and spa-like environment.

“We don’t just fix teeth—we help people overcome their fear and rediscover what comfortable dentistry can be,” says Dr. Aljanedi.


The Emotional Benefits: Regaining Confidence

Many patients describe sedation dentistry as life-changing. After years of avoiding the dentist, they’re finally able to:

  • Restore their smile and oral health
  • Eat comfortably again
  • Speak and smile with confidence
  • Overcome fear that once held them back

For these patients, sedation dentistry is more than a medical option—it’s a path toward freedom and self-confidence.


Real Patient Experiences

Laura C., Venice Beach

“I used to cry before every dental visit. Dr. Aljanedi made me feel so calm with sedation—I don’t even remember the procedure. It was a game changer!”

Jay J., Marina del Rey

“I was terrified of the dentist for years. The sedation experience was smooth, and I woke up with my treatment done and zero pain. I wish I had done this sooner.”

Julie B., Santa Monica

“For the first time, I didn’t feel anxious about sitting in the chair. I can finally take care of my teeth without fear.”


Ready for a Stress-Free Dental Experience?

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry at Marina Dentistry can help you get the care you deserve—without stress or discomfort.

Call (310) 578-5000 or request an appointment online today to meet Dr. Sameer Aljanedi, your trusted sedation dentist in Marina del Rey.

We proudly serve Marina del Rey, Venice, Playa del Rey, and Santa Monica, helping Westside LA residents experience dentistry that feels relaxing, modern, and completely worry-free.

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