Reduced Anxiety
Sedation helps you overcome dental fear, turning a stressful visit into a calm, manageable one.
Accepting New Patients
Sedation Dentistry in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Does the thought of the dentist make you anxious? Sedation dentistry in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA helps you feel calm and comfortable through your treatment. At Elite Dentistry, Dr. Lari offers gentle sedation options so you can get the care you need without fear.
2,500+
Happy Patients
25+ Years
Experience
Same-Day
Emergency Care
Understanding Your Treatment
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses safe, controlled medication to help you relax during dental procedures. It ranges from mild sedation that eases anxiety to deeper levels where you feel almost asleep. We offer different options to match your needs and the complexity of your treatment. Your safety and comfort are always the top priority.
The Benefits
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Greater Comfort
It can minimize discomfort during treatment, which is especially helpful for sensitive teeth or gums.
Efficient Care
A relaxed patient allows Dr. Lari to work efficiently, often shortening the appointment.
Better Experience
A positive, low-stress visit encourages you to keep up with the care your smile needs.
The Process
Our Step-by-Step Process
From your first exam to the final result, here's exactly what to expect — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Request an Appointment- 01
Consultation
Dr. Lari reviews your medical history, anxiety level, and planned procedure to choose the best option.
- 02
Preparation
Depending on the sedation type, you may be asked to fast for a set time beforehand.
- 03
Monitoring
We administer the sedative and closely monitor your vital signs throughout for safety.
- 04
Recovery
We watch over you as the sedation wears off, and you will need a ride home after oral or IV sedation.
Is It Right for You?
Signs You May Need Sedation Dentistry
Dental Anxiety
You feel nervous or fearful about visiting the dentist.
Strong Gag Reflex
You struggle with a sensitive gag reflex during treatment.
Extensive Work
You need a lot of dental work completed in a single visit.
Past Trauma
Difficult past dental experiences make you dread appointments.
Your Options
Types of Sedation
We offer different levels of sedation to cater to individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.
Laughing Gas (Inhalation Sedation)
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It helps you feel calm and relaxed while remaining fully conscious. The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, allowing you to resume normal activities immediately.
Oral Sedation
This moderate level of sedation allows you to feel almost like you are taking a light nap during your visit, while still conscious enough to answer simple questions or directions. The medication is taken by mouth before the appointment and lasts for a few hours before it wears off. Most people remember little to nothing about their appointment.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is administered through an IV line for longer or more complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal or placing multiple dental implants. It makes it feel like you are sleeping during your visit, though you remain semi-conscious. Like oral sedation, IV sedation provides an amnesic effect, so you may not remember much about your visit.
You're in good company… Glowing Reviews
Glowing Reviews
From Our Patients
5-star rated dental care from patients like you…
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such an amazing experience at Elite Dentistry and cannot recommend them enough. From start to finish, everything was seamless, calm, and genuinely pleasant which is saying a lot when it comes to dental visits.Dr. Mehran Rastegar-Lari is truly exceptional. He is incredibly kind, patient, and clearly very knowledgeable. He took the time to educate me throughout the process, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients and their experience, not just the end result.Omar, the dental assistant, was equally amazing. I suffer from pretty high dental anxiety, and he was so calming, reassuring, and supportive. He helped me relax and made the entire visit feel manageable and even comfortable. He was truly great.The front desk staff was also fantastic. Super outgoing, welcoming, and kind from the moment I walked in. The positive energy made a huge difference.On top of all that, I had a crown done the same day, and the process was completely effortless. No stress, no hassle, and everything was handled efficiently and smoothly.If you are looking for a dental office that combines professionalism, compassion, and top tier care, Elite Dentistry is it. I am so grateful I found them. 🦷✨” — Sara
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Hi everyone. I just had the most amazing dental treatment experience yesterday at Elite Dentistry in RSM, thanks to the wonderful Dr. Mehran Rastegar Lari and his whole team who made my experience pain free and friendly, really welcoming. And I'm talking about hygienist Michelle, and RDA Nayeli, (not sure of the name), and Irene and Yesenia in the front office. If you want a friendly and stress free experience, this is the place! And if you want the latest high tech equipment and procedures to not only ease the pain, but speed up the process -- especially when it comes to the need for cutting and replacing / building new crowns, this is the place! And I just can't say enough about Dr. Lari, I mean, he's a master. Honestly, I have a long previous history of experiencing dental treatment of all kinds, of the associated pain, of the stress and anxiety whenever I'd be under the drill. Or the long wait while dentists would need to take impressions, of having all that ordeal of having your mouth filled with cold thick stuff like plaster, waiting for the mold to form. And on and on. But wow, not only didn't Dr. Lari need to take impressions, but he uses a "scanner" inside the mouth to build the model of the teeth digitally in another way. This is wild, and amazing, and so much faster! And so much more comfortable.Even his way of numbing the gums around the teeth seemed less invasive, less painful. It honestly wasn't painful. I remember him using his laser machine device, and it seemed that all processes were faster. And one thing I had never experienced until yesterday was having great well fitting crowns made in-office, fitted and emplaced all on the same day! I was blown away by the technology he has on site, and his -- and his staff's -- expertise in using these latest cutting edge tools. But I think the biggest thing for me was Dr. Lari's friendliness, his care for me as a patient, and that goes for all his team too. Really, I can't say enough about this practice. You guys are the best. Thank you so much, Dr. Lari and team :)” — Christopher
- 5 out of 5 stars. “100/10 recommend this place!! Had no luck finding a good dentist around until I came here! Irene and Yesenia in the front are so kind and really helpful with any questions you have! They make you feel so comfortable and really work on making your experience stress free! Elite Dentistry front desk team is the best!The RDA Nayeli was awesome she was so nice! help me get through my root canal without no pain! I was so nervous on the chair while she was getting everything ready for the procedure even while she was busy preparing would always ask if I’m okay and remind me that everything was gonna go well in she was right!I had other Doctors before and none of them compare to Dr.Lari! He helped me figure out a plan to fix my tooth and was straight to the point. The technology he use is top tier with his amazing work he made it easy and painless! He guides you along the way and really cares about his patients. Dr.Lari thank you again for the outstanding work you did and thank you for making me love the dentist once again!” — Milimoney
- 5 out of 5 stars. “My first time here, everyone was very welcoming. Thank you to the hygienist Michelle who did a great job. I was very nervous but they made me feel calm. Thank you Dr Lari and to his assistant Nayeli. Will definitely come back for future dental work.” — Chris
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had an amazing experience. Everyone in this office was very welcoming and friendly. Dr. Lari took the time to explain the process very clearly, which calmed my anxiety. He is very knowledgeable and thorough and gentle. On top of that I was really pleased to have my crown done in the same visit. I highly recommend Dr. Lari and his team at Elite Dentistry.” — Janet
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Truly the most wonderful experience with a dental office and staff I’ve ever experienced. I came into Elite having recently experienced poor experiences elsewhere in town, and couldn’t believe how kind, capable and professional the team is here. I am 6 months into my Invisalign process and couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Elite for general dentistry to anyone!” — Alex
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Have been coming here for years. They accommodate all my needs and are very thorough with what they need to work on regarding my dental wellbeing. They also have very advanced dental technology which I love.” — Nicholas
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I just moved to OC and needed to find a new dental office. I had my first visit today with Elite Dentistry and was very impressed. Everyone who worked there was so kind and attentive and the equipment they use is very advanced. They recommend treatment without making you feel pressured.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “This is the dentist I've been waiting for! An absolute artist and master of the craft. When someone is passionate about what they do, it shows! Dr. Rastegar-Lari is simy the best in the area. We did some major work yesterday, and today I feel and look great! Thanks Doc!0” — K
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The stuff was very professional and informative.” — Anna
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Lari is so kind and gentle and a comforting personality that I have not seen in the dentistry business as long as I have had teeth. He is special and we are lucky to have him in our small community. He makes you feel like you are family and you will appreciate that. No hidden charges or overpricing at all at this office. He went way over and above in quality and cosmetic items I needed for what I paid for. He is my hero.” — Steve
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such a great experience at Elite Dentistry in RSM. The ladies at the front desk are so sweet and welcoming and just make everything feel easy from the moment you walk in. The assistants were gentle and attentive and really made sure I was comfortable the whole time.Dr. Lari was amazing. So professional, calm, and thorough. I felt completely at ease and genuinely taken care of. You can tell this office really cares!Highly recommend!” — Yasmeen
The Elite Dentistry Difference
Why You'll Love Sedation Dentistry at Elite Dentistry
Anxiety should never stand between you and a healthy smile, and sedation helps. Here is why patients trust us to keep them at ease.
Here are just a few reasons our patients love us:
- Multiple Sedation Options
- Safety-First Monitoring
- Compassionate Team
- Comfortable Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (949) 888-8989.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, it is generally safe when administered by a trained, experienced professional. We monitor your vital signs closely throughout your procedure.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
It depends on the level of sedation. With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, you stay relaxed but awake, while IV sedation is deeper but usually still responsive.
What types of sedation do you offer?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Dr. Lari will recommend the right level based on your anxiety and the procedure.
Can I drive home afterward?
You can usually drive after nitrous oxide, but you will need a ride home after oral or IV sedation. We will let you know what to plan for.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Coverage depends on your plan and whether sedation is considered medically necessary. Our team will help you review your benefits and explore financing.
Side Effects, Recovery, and Cost of Sedation Dentistry
Common Side Effects: Most patients experience minimal side effects. With nitrous oxide, effects wear off almost immediately once the mask is removed. Oral and IV sedation may cause mild drowsiness, slight dizziness, or a temporary headache that typically resolves within a few hours. A bit of nausea is possible but uncommon, and memory gaps about the appointment are normal, especially with deeper sedation levels. Recovery Timeline: Nitrous oxide wears off immediately, so you can resume normal activities right away. Oral sedation typically requires 24 hours of recovery; you will need someone to drive you home and should avoid operating machinery or making important decisions for the rest of the day. IV sedation has a similar timeline, and most patients feel completely back to normal by the next day. Cost of Sedation: Cost varies with the type of sedation used and the complexity of your procedure. Nitrous oxide is typically the most affordable option, while IV sedation generally costs more due to the additional monitoring and expertise required. Many insurance plans cover a portion when sedation is medically necessary, and we offer flexible financing to keep it accessible.
Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Consultation
You deserve dental care without the anxiety. Fill out the form below, and our team will reach out within one business hour.
25+ Years of Care
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Licensure
- CA License #65190 · Verify
- Insurance
- We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance?
- No problem — ask about our new patient specials and payment plans.
- Financing
- A wide range of dental financing options for every budget.
- Counties Served
- Orange County
- Cities Served
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Trabuco Canyon
Keep Exploring