The Comfortable Way to Get the Care You Need

Making Dental Treatment Easier

You shouldn’t have to choose between protecting your oral health and avoiding treatment because you’re anxious. Whether you’ve had a difficult dental experience before, feel nervous about an upcoming procedure, or simply want to be more comfortable, sedation dentistry can help you feel more relaxed throughout your visit.

Dr. Gibbins and Dr. Draper offer several sedation options, allowing us to match your care to your procedure, comfort level, and medical history. Together, we’ll help you find an approach that lets you move forward feeling informed, supported, and comfortable.

A Closer Look at Sedation Options

No two patients experience dental anxiety the same way. Some simply need help taking the edge off, while others benefit from a deeper level of relaxation during treatment.

We’ll discuss your concerns, review your health history, and recommend the sedation option that’s best suited to your needs.

Nitrous Oxide

Sometimes called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is ideal for patients with mild anxiety or those having shorter procedures.

With nitrous oxide, you can expect to:

• Feel calm while remaining awake
• Continue communicating throughout treatment
• Recover quickly after your appointment
• Return to most normal daily activities soon afterward
• Oral Conscious Sedation

If you feel more anxious about treatment, oral conscious sedation may provide a greater sense of relaxation.

You’ll take a prescribed medication before your appointment, allowing you to feel deeply relaxed while remaining responsive throughout your procedure. Many patients remember very little about their visit afterward.

Because the medication continues working after treatment, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

IV Sedation

For longer procedures, surgical treatment, or patients with significant dental anxiety, IV sedation often provides the most comfortable experience.

Medication is delivered through a small IV, allowing your level of sedation to be carefully adjusted throughout treatment. Our team continuously monitors you to help ensure your comfort and safety from beginning to end.

After your appointment, you’ll spend the remainder of the day resting at home with a responsible adult accompanying you.

Specialist-Administered Sedation

Some patients benefit from sedation provided by an anesthesia specialist.

This option may be recommended for:

• Young children
• Patients with special healthcare needs
• Complex surgical procedures
• Situations requiring a deeper level of sedation

Working alongside experienced anesthesia providers allows us to deliver advanced care while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.

Making the Decision Together

Choosing sedation isn’t about picking the strongest option. It’s about finding the approach that’s right for you. When making our recommendation, we’ll consider:

• Your comfort level and any dental anxiety you experience
• The type and length of your procedure
• Your medical history and current medications
• Your previous experiences with dental treatment

Dr. Gibbins or Dr. Draper will explain each option, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable with your decision before treatment begins.

The Comfort Sedation Can Provide You

For many patients, sedation changes how they feel about visiting the dentist altogether. Depending on the type of sedation you receive, it may help you:

• Feel calmer before and during treatment
• Stay comfortable throughout longer procedures
• Reduce awareness of sounds, smells, and sensations
• Minimize a strong gag reflex
• Sit comfortably for treatment that might otherwise feel difficult
• Remember little or none of the procedure afterward

Instead of focusing on anxiety, you can focus on getting the care you need.