Sedation dentistry in Woodland Hills
Nervous about the dentist? You're not alone, and sedation can help you relax through your visit.
Dental care without the dread
Plenty of people feel anxious about the dentist, whether it's a bad memory, a strong gag reflex or the sound of the drill. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during treatment.
Sedation works alongside local anesthetic, which numbs the area being treated. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation, so you can get the care you've been putting off, comfortably.
How sedation dentistry works
- 1
Tell us how you feel
Let us know what worries you. There's no judgment, and it helps us plan your visit around you.
- 2
Health check
We review your health history and medications to choose the safest option for you. Dr. Ahdout holds a Dental Board of California permit for oral sedation.
- 3
Choose your sedation
We explain each option, how it will feel, and whether you'll need someone to drive you home.
- 4
Relax during treatment
You're watched closely throughout, and the area is numbed so you don't feel pain.
- 5
Recovery
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes. After oral sedation, you'll go home with your driver and rest for the day.
Small comforts that help
Sedation isn't the only way to make a visit easier. Tell us what helps you.
- Agree on a hand signal so you can ask for a break at any time
- Hear what each step involves before it happens
- Bring headphones and your own music
- Book a morning visit so you're not worrying all day
Nitrous oxide vs. oral sedation
The two most common kinds of sedation in a dental office.
Swipe the table to compare
| Compare | Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | Oral sedation |
|---|---|---|
| How it's given | Breathed through a small mask over your nose | A pill taken before your appointment |
| How you'll feel | Calm and relaxed, fully awake | Very relaxed and drowsy, and you may remember little |
| Wears off | Within minutes of the mask coming off | Over several hours |
| Driving afterward | Usually fine once it wears off | No, someone needs to drive you |
| Often used for | Mild to moderate nerves | Stronger anxiety or longer visits |
In a patient’s words
“I had a very positive experience with Dr. Nader. The office was clean and well organized, and the staff were courteous and helpful from the moment I walked in.”
Nazanin G., Google review
Know the cost up front
Sedation is priced separately from your treatment, and you'll know the cost before your visit. Insurance coverage for sedation varies, so we'll check your plan.
Call (818) 340-3062Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Sedation dentistry uses medication, such as nitrous oxide or an oral sedative, to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment. It's used alongside local anesthetic, which numbs the area.
With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, you're not put to sleep. Nitrous oxide keeps you awake and relaxed. Oral sedation makes you drowsy and you may remember little of the visit, but you can still respond.
Sedation dentistry is safe for most healthy adults when your health history is reviewed first and you're watched closely throughout. Tell us about every medication you take.
After nitrous oxide you can usually drive yourself home once it wears off. After oral sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you.
Yes. Sedation dentistry is made for people with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or trouble sitting through long appointments. It helps you stay calm so you can get the care you need.
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. We'll help you choose based on your health, how anxious you feel and the treatment you need.
Yes. Dr. Ahdout holds an oral conscious sedation permit from the Dental Board of California, which allows him to provide oral sedation dentistry in the office. The permit is current through 2028.
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation and the length of your visit. Nitrous oxide usually costs less than oral sedation. You'll know the price before your appointment.
Smiles created here
Read more on Google“I've been going to this practice for my dental needs for a long time, and I fully intend to keep coming back. The care and consistency here have always been excellent.”
“I had a great experience with Dr. Ahdout and his team. From the initial appointment to X-rays, deep cleaning, and my follow-up visit, everything was handled professionally and with care.”
“I recently had a root canal followed by a filling done by Dr. Ahdout, and I can honestly say he is one of the best dentists I have ever been to…”
“Dr. Ahdout and his team are truly excellent at what they do. From start to finish, their communication is clear, timely, and professional…”
Book a visit with Dr. Ahdout
Call or book online, and we'll find a time that works for you.
Visit our dental office on Ventura Boulevard
Our office is at 22116 Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, close to Calabasas, Tarzana and West Hills.
Hours
- Monday: 9am–6pm
- Tuesday: 9am–6pm
- Wednesday: 9am–6pm
- Thursday: 9am–6pm
- Friday: 9am–1:30pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed