For People with Anxiety, Special Needs and More
San Francisco’s Sedation Dentistry Experts
You dream. We work.
For over 45 years, Blende Dental Group has been recognized as the national leader of sedation and hospital dentistry. We are unique in the United States for helping medically complex and high-risk patients get the care they need with comfort and confidence.
- Physician anesthesiologists on-site for IV & general anesthesia
- Active hospital privileges in 8 Bay Area hospitals
- 150+ sedation cases annually
- Options: general anesthesia, IV, nitrous oxide, and oral medication
- Specialized care for medically complex & special-needs patients
- Fully hospital-credentialed and vaccinated team
- Streamlined scheduling and surgery availability
Speak with a sedation coordinator:
24/7 emergency and after hours availability
We serve the following hospitals:
Why we are different
Full range (nitrous, oral, IV, GA) delivered by physician anesthesiologists
Active hospital privileges; surgeries performed regularly in OR settings
45+ years of experience with phobic, disabled, and medically complex patients
Streamlined scheduling: 24/7 emergency and after hours; immediate availability.
Full range possible, but provider is a student under supervision
Care in teaching hospitals; limited slots; very limited availability
Acceptance depends on teaching priorities
Waitlists may be months long—even up to two years
Usually nitrous or oral pills; very few offer IV/GA; dentists may have limited sedation training
Rare; most never treat in hospitals
Often referred out if too risky
Standard scheduling
Connect with us
Alice Wong is a disabled writer, editor and activist based in San Francisco who has muscular dystrophy. She experienced barriers to dental care for much of her adult life.
“It’s been difficult to find a dentist who can accommodate me, as I cannot transfer into an exam chair since I am a wheelchair user.” A few years ago a series of medical crises left Alice with additional complex medical needs including a tracheostomy and a feeding tube for nutrition and hydration.
Alice was relieved to discover Blende Dental Group and what we offer: “I wish all people with disabilities that need specialized care or in-home visits can afford places like Blende Dental Group.“
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation is a spectrum of awake and alert to deep sleep. The main levels of sedation are Minimal, Moderate/Deep, and General Anesthesia.
Minimal: Nitrous Oxide (gas) or Oral Medication (simple pill) where patients are relaxed, but awake. For minor procedures, and patients with mild anxiety.
Moderate/Deep: IV Sedation where patients are drowsy and may fall asleep. For patients with significant anxiety or complex procedures where more relaxation is needed.
General Anesthesia: A deeper level of sedation where the patient is completely asleep. For more complex surgeries and/or medically complex cases.
The vast majority of dental offices that offer “sedation” only offer Nitrous oxide or Oral Medications.
What types of sedation do you offer?
Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. After reviewing your medical history, we recommend the safest option and setting.
Is general anesthesia safe?
Yes. A physician anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart function, and responsiveness throughout your procedure and recovery. We complete a pre‑operative assessment and choose the safest setting (office or hospital).
Who administers IV sedation or general anesthesia?
A physician anesthesiologist. Your dentist focuses on treatment while the anesthesia specialist focuses on your comfort and safety.
Where will my care be provided?
In our office surgical suites or, when appropriate, in a local hospital. We choose the setting that best supports safety and your medical needs.
How long is recovery?
- Nitrous oxide: wears off quickly
- Oral Medication: you’ll need an escort and may feel drowsy for several hours after taking the medication
- IV: you’ll need an escort and will experience moderate/deeper drowsiness that may last through the day
- General anesthesia: includes monitored recovery and detailed home‑care instructions.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes for oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide does not require a driver.
Do you treat adults with autism or other special needs?
Yes. We routinely treat adults with autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Down syndrome. We coordinate with caregivers and recommend office or hospital care accordingly.
I haven’t been to the dentist in years—how many appointments will I need?
It varies. Many patients complete multiple treatments in a single visit under sedation. We confirm the plan after your consult.
How do costs and insurance work?
Coverage varies by plan and whether dental or medical benefits apply. We provide estimates and assist with pre‑authorizations.
Speak with a
sedation coordinator:
24/7 emergency and after hours availability.
Complimentary teleconsultation offered.