Sedation Dentistry in Lima

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the administration of medication by a medical anesthesiologist so that the patient is relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. Depending on the level of sedation, you can stay awake and calm (nitrous oxide or oral sedation) or be in a deep, controlled sleep (deep sedation). It is always combined with local anesthesia to control pain in the treated area.

It is indicated for adults who feel fear or anxiety about the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, need long treatments or several procedures in one appointment, or find it hard to stay still in the dental chair. During the prior evaluation we review your medical history to confirm that sedation is safe in your case.

What types of dental sedation are there?

Nitrous oxide sedation

This is the mildest option. You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nasal mask and within a few minutes you feel relaxed and calm, while staying awake and able to communicate at all times. It is administered and monitored by a medical anesthesiologist, and its effect wears off a few minutes after the mask is removed. It is indicated for mild to moderate anxiety.

Oral sedation

The anesthesiologist prescribes an oral medication to take before treatment. You stay awake but very relaxed, and you may remember only part of the procedure. You need to come with a companion, as the effect lasts a few hours.

IV sedation

The medication is given intravenously, which allows the anesthesiologist to adjust the level of sedation minute by minute during treatment.

Deep sedation

The anesthesiologist administers medication that puts you into a deep, controlled sleep from which you wake up when treatment is over; it is common not to remember the procedure. It is used for long surgeries or for patients with high anxiety, always with continuous monitoring of your vital signs.

General anesthesia

Complete loss of consciousness via an intravenous route. It is performed by a specialist medical anesthesiologist who brings their own anesthesia and monitoring equipment and manages your breathing and vital signs throughout the procedure. It is reserved for complex cases and is only indicated after a prior medical evaluation.

Which type of dental sedation is right for me?

The final type of sedation is decided by the medical anesthesiologist after reviewing your medical history.

Which treatments can be done under sedation?

Sedation can be combined with most dental treatments. These are the ones our adult patients request most often:

Root canal under sedation

Root canal treatment is one of the procedures that causes the most anxiety and can take more than an hour per tooth. With nitrous oxide or oral sedation you stay relaxed throughout the procedure, while local anesthesia controls the pain. If you need several teeth treated, we can do it in a single appointment under deep sedation. Learn more about our root canal treatment.

Dental implants under sedation

Implant placement is a surgery that can last from one to several hours, depending on the number of teeth. Sedation lets you go through surgery calmly and, with deep sedation, it is common not to remember the procedure. More information on our dental implants page.

Wisdom tooth extraction under sedation

Impacted or retained wisdom teeth require minor surgery that often causes anxiety. With sedation, the anesthesiologist monitors you while the surgeon performs the extraction, and several wisdom teeth can be removed in the same session. Learn about the wisdom tooth extraction procedure.

When is dental sedation indicated for adults?

• Patients with high anxiety or dental phobia.
• Those who need long or multiple procedures in one session.
• Patients with a strong gag reflex.
• Invasive treatments (surgery, implants, complex extractions).
• Cases where cooperation is limited (due to fear, involuntary movements, etc.).

The decision is made after a clinical and medical evaluation, to rule out contraindications.

When is sedation not recommended?

Sedation is not suitable in every case. Before using it, we review your medical history and general health to rule out contraindications, including:

• Airway obstruction, such as severe rhinitis or marked nasal congestion, in the case of nitrous oxide.
• Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
• Certain respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• Current treatment with certain medications, such as sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants.
• Some mental health conditions.
• Known allergy to the medications used.

If sedation is not suitable for your case, we will suggest alternatives so you can receive your treatment as comfortably as possible.

What does the dental sedation process involve?

1. Prior evaluation and medical interview: we review your medical history, general health and risk factors.
2. Planning: the anesthesiologist selects the most suitable type of sedation based on the treatment, its length and your needs.
3. Monitoring during treatment: we continuously track your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and breathing.
4. Guided recovery: we accompany your gradual return to full consciousness and check for possible effects.
5. Post-sedation instructions: we give you aftercare guidelines and schedule any necessary check-ups.

Why choose sedation dentistry at The Dental Clinic?

• Better tolerance for sensitive patients or those with a gag reflex.
• The option to complete more procedures in a single session.
• Safety protocols with continuous medical monitoring.
• Greater comfort during long or multiple treatments.

Treatment led by Dr. Lilia Demartini

Your treatments under sedation are planned and supervised by Dr. Lilia Demartini (COP 21568), a specialist in Oral Rehabilitation and Cosmetic Dentistry with more than 20 years of experience in Peru, Germany and the USA. She coordinates your dental treatment plan, while sedation is administered and monitored by a medical specialist in anesthesia, with vital signs monitored throughout the procedure.

A specialist for each type of sedation

Sedation is not administered by the dental team: we work with medical specialists in anesthesiology, who review your medical history, bring their own certified equipment and monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Depending on the technique indicated —nitrous oxide, oral sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia— we bring in the appropriate professional.

This means your sedation is handled by a doctor dedicated exclusively to it, while the dental team focuses on your treatment.