Sedation Dentistry in Murrieta
Sedation is widely recognized as a treatment for anxious or fearful dental patients. This involves the use of medication that relaxes your body & mind.
The most common form of sedation is conscious sedation, which allows you to be awake & able to communicate with the Murrieta dentist. You will not sleep through your procedure, but you will feel drowsy, calm & comfortable. Though you will be awake, you may have trouble remembering details about your appointment. In fact, you may not remember any of it!
There are three types of conscious sedation available to dentists: nitrous oxide gas, oral (pill) sedation & intravenous (IV) sedation.

Sedation Dentistry Treatments
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, is the lightest form of sedation. It is given to patients through a small mask that covers the nose. It works almost instantly, & the dentist can precisely adjust the amount of gas you are breathing whenever you need more or less. The biggest advantage of nitrous oxide is that once the dentist turns it off, you’ll be back to normal within a few minutes! You will be able to drive home after your appointment is over. Side effects are rare, but most often include nausea, headaches & dizziness.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking an anti-anxiety pill about an hour before your treatment is scheduled to begin. This is a useful method for patients who want an easy form of sedation that doesn’t require as much in-office maintenance or equipment. Unlike nitrous oxide, oral sedation will leave you groggy, tired & uncoordinated after your appointment, so you will need a friend or family member to drive you home.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is the strongest form of conscious sedation. It uses the same kind of medication as oral sedation, but the dentist will use a needle to inject it directly into your bloodstream. This makes the drug kick in much faster & stronger. The dentist can also “fine-tune” the dosage so you don’t get too sedated. You will recover more quickly from IV sedation than oral sedation, but you will still need somebody to drive you home.
Overview
Before receiving any of these forms of sedation, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare. First, you will need to consult with us to see if you are a candidate for sedation. There are a number of medical conditions that dental sedation can worsen, including heart, lung & liver dysfunction. Nursing or pregnant women cannot receive sedation because it may endanger the life & development of their child. Talk to our team or your primary care doctor about your diagnoses & the potential risks of sedation.
Then, you will need to provide us with a list of the prescription & over-the-counter medications & dietary supplements you take regularly. Some may interact negatively or dangerously with dental sedatives.
Aftercare
Finally, you must not eat or drink non-clear liquids for at least six hours before your appointment. If you are receiving oral or IV sedation, arrange for somebody to drive you to & from our office. Make sure your schedule is clear for the rest of the day & do not drive, engage in strenuous physical activity or operate heavy machinery until the next day.
Don’t let dental fear keep you from getting the beautiful smile you deserve. Call us today to find out what kind sedation is right for you.
Meet Your Murrieta Dentist
Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS – Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is a graduate of the University of Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He has also received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, rotary endodontics and removable prosthodontics (dentures). Dr. Pulsipher is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics & the Tri-County Dental Society.






5-Star Murrieta Dental Services
We make it fun for children to visit their dentist in Murrieta.
Get relief from dental anxiety for comfortable dental procedures.
Straighten teeth with a wide-range of options from Invisalign to traditional braces.
Reshape your gum line with gum contouring to fix gummy smiles and small teeth.
Replace a missing tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth with All-on-4 dental implants.
Diagnotics and solutions for tooth and gum infections including root canals and gum disease treatment.
Visit Springs Dental



We are located in the Murrieta Springs Professional Park off Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
Hours
~ Daily lunch break 12 Noon–1pm



5-Star Google Reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Springs Dental and Dr. Pulsipher! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a team that truly cares. Dr. Pulsipher is not only incredibly skilled, but he also takes the time to explain everything and make you feel completely at ease. The entire team is professional, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and positive as possible. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a dentist to visit Springs Dental – you won’t be disappointed! Angela Young2025-04-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been a patient at Springs Dental for over 20 years. I’ve tried two other dental offices due to insurance issues, but I always come back, even when I have to pay out of pocket. Springs Dental operates with integrity, which is uncommon these days. They genuinely care about their patients rather than simply focusing on making money. Renee Fonseca2025-04-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service as usual. Great staff and Dr Dan is the best! Bill Cherry2025-04-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly staff & always with smiles to welcome their patient’s. Coy Capacia2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff. Very thorough in all explanations of cost and procedures. Betty Dalton2025-02-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff!!!! Rosi Sanchez2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dental care. Friendly and very competent. Louis Fetherolf2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this dental facility treated me with so much care. I have had bad dental experiences in the past that left me terrified. I felt safe, comfortable and in capable, professional hands. This was the best dental experience I have ever had in 40 yrs! The technology in this office is like no other. They gave me a crown in a few hrs. Simply amazing! God bless Springs Dental! Persephonie Saucier2025-02-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience!!!! Cecilia Hernandez2025-01-23
Insurance & Financing

We love your insurance and respect your budget and busy schedule. There are little to no out-of-pocket costs for most insured patients on cleanings, exams and x-rays.
0% financing is available on approved credit. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options, including CareCredit, so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need in a manner that fits their budget.
Blog Articles
Restoring your smile with dentures can dramatically improve your quality of life, but one of
Dental emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. Recognizing the signs that require
Invisalign® aligners have become one of the most popular choices for individuals seeking discreet and
Root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that
A straight, confident smile is something many people desire, but the thought of traditional metal
Just had your teeth professionally cleaned at Springs Dental? That fresh, smooth feeling you experience
Frequently asked questions
What is sedation dentistry and why is it used?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures, especially those with anxiety, fear, or sensitivity.
What types of sedation are available?
Common types include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (pills), and intravenous (IV) sedation, with varying levels of relaxation from mild to deep.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when administered by trained professionals, sedation is safe. Your dentist will review your medical history to choose the best option for you.
Will I be unconscious during sedation?
Most sedation methods keep you awake but relaxed, except for deep sedation or general anesthesia, where you may be asleep.
How long does sedation last and what should I expect afterward?
Effects vary by type, but you may feel drowsy for several hours. It’s usually recommended to have someone drive you home after deeper sedation.