Gentle Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients Near Fresno
If dental visits make you anxious, you should not have to drive far to get comfortable care. As a sedation dentist serving Fresno, Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian helps nervous patients relax through treatment from his Clovis office, just over the line on Shaw Avenue, and has cared for anxious patients across Fresno County since 2003.
Do You Dread the Dentist? You Are Not Alone
If the thought of a dental visit makes your stomach tighten, you are far from alone. Plenty of people put off the care they need because of real fear, a sensitive gag reflex, or a rough experience somewhere in their past. Those feelings are valid, and they do not make you a difficult patient.
Sedation dentistry exists to take that weight off your shoulders. By helping you feel calm and comfortable in the chair, it lets you get the treatment you have been avoiding without the dread that usually comes with it.
Sedation Options at Our Clovis Office
The dentist starts by reviewing your medical history, current medications, your level of anxiety, and the procedure ahead before recommending the sedation option that fits you best.
Conscious (Relaxation) Sedation
Conscious or relaxation sedation gives you a safe, slightly reduced level of consciousness while you stay fully awake. You can follow spoken instructions, breathe on your own, and remain calm and worry-free the whole time. It is not general anesthesia and will not put you to sleep, but it does take away the fear and discomfort.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed in gently through a mask to help you relax, even if you have a strong gag reflex. Its effect fades quickly once the mask comes off, and most people feel like themselves again in about 15 minutes.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation eases dental anxiety with minimal side effects, which makes it a good fit if you have sensitive teeth or simply feel uneasy in the chair. Because it takes a little longer to clear, you will need to arrange a ride home afterward.
IV Sedation
IV sedation offers a moderate, deeper level of relaxation and may be appropriate for strong dental fear or a medical history that calls for it. Many patients remember little of the appointment, and you will need someone to drive you home.
Local Anesthetic
Local anesthetic is a numbing solution applied right to the area being treated, keeping less invasive work comfortable.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation may be a good match if any of the following sound like you.
- You feel dental anxiety or fear
- You have low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You need several procedures done in one visit
- You simply want a stress-free experience
People with certain medical conditions or medications may not be candidates, so eligibility is always confirmed during a consultation.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Calm, worry-free visits
- Feel little to no pain
- Relief from a strong gag reflex
- Faster appointments with more done in fewer visits
- Often little to no memory of the procedure
- Safe and closely monitored by licensed dental professionals
What to Expect and Recovery
Before anything starts, the team walks you through the plan, and nothing begins until you agree to it. Recovery from light sedation is quick, usually around 15 minutes, while deeper sedation can take up to 24 hours to wear off completely. If you have oral or IV sedation, please arrange a ride home and follow the aftercare instructions you are given.
Serving Fresno and Nearby
Shaw Avenue runs straight east out of Fresno into Clovis, so patients from River Park, northeast Fresno, Bullard, and the Fig Garden area reach our office at 1592 Shaw Ave in minutes. If you have been searching for a sedation dentist near you in Fresno, we are an easy, familiar drive.
Learn more about our sedation dentistry services, explore dental implants in Clovis, or request an appointment online.
Lovik Mirzaeian, DDS | Clovis Dentist
1592 Shaw Ave
Clovis, CA 93611
Phone: (559) 299-2168
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Every other Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Meet Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian, DDS
Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian has practiced dentistry since 2003, with training that spans dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth reconstruction, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, and sleep sedation. Anxious patients tend to describe the same experience: a gentle, unhurried pace, clear explanations, and no pressure.
He is licensed by the Dental Board of California and is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the California Dental Association. Meet Dr. Mirzaeian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. The dentist reviews your medical history and medications before starting and keeps a close watch on you throughout the appointment, and all sedation is monitored by licensed dental professionals.
Will I be asleep during my appointment?
It depends on the option. Lighter choices like conscious sedation keep you awake and able to follow instructions, while deeper IV sedation may leave you with little memory of the visit. None of these are general anesthesia.
Can I drive myself home afterward?
After light options such as nitrous oxide you can usually head out on your own, but oral and IV sedation require you to arrange a ride home.
Which type of sedation is right for me?
That is decided together at your consultation, once the dentist has looked at your anxiety level, medical history, and the treatment planned.
Can sedation be combined with implants or longer treatment?
Yes, sedation is often a good fit for longer or multiple procedures, since it can help you stay comfortable and get more done in fewer visits.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
The cost depends on which sedation option you need and the treatment involved, so the details are reviewed with you during your consultation.
How do I find a sedation dentist near me in Fresno?
If you have been searching for a sedation dentist near you in Fresno, our office at 1592 Shaw Ave is a short drive away, easy to reach from northeast Fresno, River Park, Old Fig Garden, Sunnyside, and Fort Washington. Call (559) 299-2168, or find us on Google Maps for directions.
What Our Patients Say
“Dr. Mirzaeian takes the time to show me that he cares about me and that he cares about my dental health. I highly recommend him!” — Jennifer S., Patient (5.0 on Google)
Ready for a calmer visit? Call (559) 299-2168 or request an appointment.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Whether sedation is right for you is determined during a consultation based on your health history.
Sedation Dentistry in Nearby Areas
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