Mesa Sedation Dentist

“This is a great place to go if you have dental anxiety like I do. I hardly remember my appointment, and the oral conscious sedation helped it go by very quickly. The dentist and the hygienists have all been great as well.” — Shon Woodruff

If you experience dental anxiety, you’re not alone. We have helped many anxious patients relax into comfortable care. Compassion and gentleness go a long way, but another powerful help we offer our most anxious patients is sedation. Oral and IV conscious sedation as well as nitrous oxide are tools we can use as needed to guide our patients peacefully through treatment.

Our Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide

“Mountain View offers nitrous, and it definitely took the edge off! My anxiety subsided by the time my dentist even came into the room.” — Jenna Cain

In cases of mild anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide. It is effective in reducing a low level of anxiety and tends to promote a carefree feeling. Known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is breathed in through a mask placed over the nose. Its mild sedative effects increase the efficacy of numbing agents, making it a wonderful help for patients who have difficulty getting or staying numb during dental treatment.

For oral sedation, we prescribe diazepam or triazolam to be taken an hour before the scheduled appointment to give the medication time to kick in before treatment begins. It starts to wear off on its own after a few hours.

Before prescribing any sedative medication, one of our dentists will review your medical and prescription history to make sure it is appropriate for you. If you opt for oral sedation, you’ll receive a prescription for a pill to take an hour before your appointment. No matter which type you choose, you’ll be in a blissful state for the duration of your treatment. You will maintain full consciousness throughout and as an added measure of safety, we will monitor your vital signs. After your appointment, you’ll need a ride home, as it will be several hours before your medication wears off completely.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For highly anxious patients, we recommend conscious sedation through medication administered orally. This induces a state of total relaxation, ensuring comfort during treatment, without inhibiting your reflexes or responsiveness. They also have an amnesiac effect that anxious patients welcome, as it keeps them from even having to remember the appointment afterward.

How It Works

Trouble Getting Numb at the Dentist?

If you struggle with dental anxiety, you’ve likely had an experience in which novocain either didn’t work for you or wore off too quickly. These are common responses to anxiety. As anxiety influences pain perception and interferes with attempts to block pain transmission, in some cases it can render novocain ineffective. At Mountain View Family Dental, we understand this and are prepared to treat your anxiety first so that you are completely numb throughout your procedure.

Do You Go to Sleep with Dental Sedation?

It will feel that way. General anesthesia makes you unconscious. With conscious sedation, you aren’t unconscious. Your vital functions, such as breathing, aren’t affected. But it will seem like you have slept through the entire appointment and you probably won’t remember the appointment!

IV Sedation

With some patients, oral conscious sedation won’t be strong enough, so we also offer IV sedation. Administered IV, the medication begins to work as soon as it is administered. It provides our deepest level of sedation. It is particularly helpful if you are somewhat resistant to sedatives, because we can vary the amount given according to your response. We have an anesthesiologist on hand during these appointments.

A Peaceful Dentist Visit for You

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthy smile, we’re here for you, and we have the tools to help. To schedule an appointment, give us a call. Or feel free to request an appointment online, and we’ll reach out to you for scheduling.