Sedation at Guru Dentistry in Irvine, CA

At our practice, we understand that dental anxiety, medical conditions, or sensory sensitivities can make dental visits challenging. That’s why we proudly offer a variety of safe and effective sedation dentistry options to ensure every patient receives the care they need in comfort. If you have concerns about dental fear, special healthcare needs, or require extra support during your appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us before your visit, we’re here to help make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sleep dentistry can benefits anyone who:



  • Suffers from fear of the dentist or dental anxiety
  • Has had a past dental trauma
  • Suffers from Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders that make staying still difficult
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Needs extensive dental work done, with a limited time
  • Has trouble getting numb
  • Has gag reflux

What is IV sedation?

IV sedation is the administration of anesthetic medications intravenously. The procedure puts you in a comfortable, conscious (semi-awake) state of reduced anxiety. You, the patient will have little or no memory of the dental procedure that was performed. Through conscious sedation, you are placed in an amnesic state from the medications used to administer sedation. During IV sedation, you are able to respond to verbal commands and sometimes to a light physical touch.


What You Can Expect

Because you will be administered sedative medications, you will not be able to drive. You will need to have transportation to and from your appointment.


During sedation, you will be closely and continuously monitored by Dr. Vanila and her staff members, using electronic equipment that shows blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and your heart function on an EKG monitor. After the procedure, you will be released to go home, when Dr. Vanila feels that it is safe to leave. You and your designated driver will receive post-treatment and home care instructions.


Get a Painless Treatment

The American Dental Association endorses sedation as an effective method to make a lot of patients comfortable during their dental treatments. Here at Guru Dentistry of Irvine we offer sedation & anesthetics to all our dental patients. Contact us for a painless dental treatment in Irvine.

Common Dental Sedation Questions

  • What is sedation dentistry?

    Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients stay calm and comfortable during dental procedures. It’s especially beneficial for individuals with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing long treatments. The goal is to provide a stress-free, painless experience that helps patients get the care they need without fear.

  • What types of sedation do you offer?

    e offer several levels of sedation depending on your needs. These include nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), oral conscious sedation (a pill taken before treatment), IV sedation, and in some cases, general anesthesia. Each method is safe and effective, and we'll help you decide which option is best based on your medical history, anxiety level, and the procedure being performed.

  • Is sedation dentistry safe?

    Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when performed by trained professionals. Before any sedation is administered, we review your full medical history and monitor you closely during the entire procedure. Our team is certified and experienced in using sedation techniques to ensure your safety and comfort from start to finish.

  • Will I be asleep during the procedure?

    Not always. With oral sedation or IV sedation, you’ll be very relaxed and may even doze off, but you’ll still be conscious and able to respond to instructions. General anesthesia is the only option that puts you fully to sleep, and it's typically reserved for more complex or surgical procedures.

  • How long does the sedation effect last?

    The duration of sedation effects depends on the type used. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, so you can usually drive yourself home. Oral and IV sedation can take a few hours to fully wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you and plan to rest afterward.

  • Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

    Sedation is ideal for patients who experience dental fear, anxiety, or discomfort during dental visits. It's also a great option for those undergoing extensive dental work, or who have difficulty sitting still, a sensitive gag reflex, or special healthcare needs. We’ll evaluate your health history and comfort level to determine if sedation is right for you.

  • Do I need to prepare for my sedation appointment?

    Yes, preparation is important to ensure a safe and smooth experience. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your appointment, depending on the type of sedation. It’s also essential to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you while the effects wear off.

  • Will I feel any pain during the procedure with sedation?

    One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that it significantly reduces or eliminates discomfort during your procedure. Even though sedation doesn’t replace local anesthetic, it works together with numbing agents to make the entire process virtually painless. Many patients report not remembering the procedure at all, or only remembering it as a comfortable experience.

  • Can I eat or drink before my sedation appointment?

    In most cases, you will be asked not to eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before your appointment, especially if you are receiving oral or IV sedation. This is to reduce the risk of nausea or other complications during the procedure. We will give you clear pre-appointment instructions based on the type of sedation you’ll be receiving.

If you are interested in our Sedation Dentistry services, call our Irvine, CA

dental office at (949) 325-7550 for more information!