Minimal and Moderate Sedation at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients feel calm and comfortable during dental or oral surgical procedures. At Valley Oral Surgery, we offer multiple levels of sedation — including minimal and moderate — depending on your needs, medical history, and procedure type.

Minimal and moderate sedation options are designed for:

• Patients who feel anxious or fearful about treatment
• Longer or more complex procedures
• Patients with a strong gag reflex or low pain threshold
• Those who prefer to be deeply relaxed but conscious

For deeper levels of sedation, such as general anesthesia, visit our General Anesthesia Options page.

Our Sedation Offerings

We offer three primary options for minimal and moderate sedation:

• Oral Conscious Sedation (Moderate):
  Involves taking prescription medication by mouth before your procedure. It induces a state of deep relaxation, where you remain awake but less aware of what’s happening around you.
  • You will feel drowsy, calm, and at ease
  • You may not remember parts of the procedure afterward
  • Vital signs are monitored throughout
  • Someone must drive you to and from the appointment
    This option is ideal for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures such as multiple extractions or implant surgery.
• Nitrous Oxide with Local Anesthetic (Minimal):
  Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small nosepiece during your procedure. It produces a calm, floating feeling and helps reduce anxiety and discomfort. Paired with a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, this method is:
  • Fast-acting and easily adjustable
  • Suitable for patients with mild anxiety
  • Worn off within minutes after the procedure
  • Safe to use for most age groups
    With nitrous oxide, you can typically drive yourself home after your appointment.
• Local Anesthetic Only:
  For many straightforward or short procedures, local anesthesia alone may be all that’s required. This involves an injection at the treatment site to completely numb the area being worked on.
  • Blocks pain without affecting consciousness
  • Has no lingering drowsiness or side effects
  • Is ideal for minor procedures like simple tooth extractions, socket preservation, or minor oral pathology treatments
    Our surgeons ensure the area is fully numb before beginning any procedure, and we always prioritize your comfort.

What Level of Sedation Is Right for Me?

The best sedation method depends on:

• Your level of anxiety or past experiences
• The type and length of your procedure
• Your overall health and medications
• Personal preference and transportation availability

During your consultation, we will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and help you choose the most appropriate sedation approach. If you require deeper sedation or have more complex medical needs, we may recommend treatment under general anesthesia.

Safety & Monitoring

All sedation procedures at Valley Oral Surgery are administered by trained professionals and closely monitored throughout your visit. We follow strict safety protocols, including:

• Pre-operative review of health history and medications
• Continuous monitoring of vital signs
• Emergency preparedness for all sedation levels
• Clear post-operative instructions and follow-up

Your safety, comfort, and trust are our priorities.