Sedation Dentistry
Comfortable dental care, from a light calm to deeply relaxed.
Yes. McElroy Smiles offers sedation dentistry in Encinitas, with nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to match your comfort. Dr. Greg is among a small number of dentists certified in IV sedation, so dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or a long procedure is no barrier to the care you need. You stay in control the entire time.
Why patients choose us for sedation
Sedation is one of the things this practice is built around. Dr. Greg was among the first in the area certified in IV and oral conscious sedation, and he performs IV sedation himself. Most people feel at least some nervousness about the dentist, and our whole approach meets you where you are. We go slow, we explain what is happening before we do it, and if you need a break, you raise your hand and we stop.
Your options, from light to deep
01
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Our lightest sedation option. A small nose mask delivers calming gas that takes effect within minutes and wears off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward.
02
Oral Conscious Sedation
A single pill taken before your visit helps you feel calm and deeply relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure. Because the effects last several hours, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
03
IV Sedation
Sedation is delivered directly into the bloodstream and adjusted throughout treatment, keeping you deeply relaxed while your vital signs are carefully monitored. Dr. Greg performs IV sedation in-house, and you’ll need a ride home.
04
Deep Sedation / Anesthesia
For the most complex procedures, deeper sedation is available through our trusted anesthesia provider for maximum comfort and peace of mind.
Who is sedation for?
Sedation can help if you feel anxious or fearful at the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, have trouble getting numb, need a complex or lengthy procedure, or struggle to sit still. We review your medical history first, since some options are not suitable during pregnancy or with certain conditions, and we recommend the lightest level that will keep you comfortable.
Cost and getting started
The right level of sedation depends on your treatment and your comfort, so we talk it through at your visit and are upfront about cost before anything begins. Many anxious patients finally complete care they have put off for years, and tell us afterward that it was easier than they expected.
Yes. IV sedation is a well-established, closely monitored option. Your blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate, and temperature are watched the entire time, and Dr. Greg, who is among a small number of dentists certified in IV sedation, performs it himself. It keeps you deeply relaxed while you stay responsive, and we review your health history first so it is right for you.
It depends on the level. With oral or IV sedation you stay relaxed and usually remember little or nothing, though you are not unconscious. Nitrous oxide simply keeps you calm and clear-headed and wears off within minutes. For the most extensive cases, deeper sedation through the practice’s anesthesia provider is available, and we explain exactly what to expect beforehand.
After nitrous oxide, yes, because the effects wear off within minutes. After oral or IV sedation, no, so arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment. We will tell you which applies to your visit ahead of time, along with simple instructions on eating and medication, so there are no surprises on the day.
We recommend the lightest level that will keep you comfortable, based on your anxiety, your treatment, and your medical history, which we review together before your visit. Many anxious patients start with nitrous or oral sedation and are surprised by how easy it is. If you have put off care for years, tell us, and we build the visit around your comfort.
