Dental Sedation
Feel More Comfortable About Dental Care
Why Choose Park City Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Sedation Available for Any Procedure
- Gentle Enough for Children, Strong Enough for Adults
- Warm, Friendly, & Highly-Experienced Team
If dental appointments make you nervous, you're not alone. For some people, it's a mild sense of unease. For others, it can be enough to delay treatment for months or even years.
Dental sedation helps make appointments feel more manageable by helping you relax throughout your visit. Whether you're feeling anxious about an upcoming procedure, have had a difficult dental experience in the past, or simply want a more comfortable appointment, we'll help you find an option that feels right for you.
Sedation Options Designed Around You
Not every patient experiences anxiety in the same way, which is why we offer different levels of sedation depending on your needs, medical history, and treatment plan.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a gentle form of sedation delivered through a small mask placed over your nose.
Within minutes, you'll begin to feel more relaxed while remaining awake and aware throughout your appointment. Once treatment is complete and the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, allowing most patients to return to their normal activities without downtime.
Nitrous oxide is often a good option for patients who:
- Feel mildly to moderately anxious
- Have sensitive teeth
- Feel uneasy about dental treatment
- Want a relaxation option that wears off quickly
- Need a comfortable solution for routine or restorative care
Oral Conscious Sedation
For patients with stronger dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation may provide a deeper level of relaxation.
Before your appointment, you'll take a prescribed medication that helps you feel calm and at ease by the time treatment begins. While you'll remain responsive throughout your visit, many patients remember very little of their appointment afterward.
Oral conscious sedation may be recommended if you:
- Experience significant dental anxiety
- Have avoided treatment because of fear
- Have difficulty sitting comfortably for longer appointments
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need extensive dental treatment
Because the effects last longer than nitrous oxide, you'll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Walk in Knowing What You Can Expect
Finding the Right Approach
No two patients experience dental anxiety the same way. Before recommending any form of sedation, we take time to learn about your concerns, medical history, and treatment needs. This helps us determine whether sedation is appropriate and which option may be the best fit for you.
Knowing What to Expect
Feeling prepared can make a big difference. We'll explain what your sedation experience will look like before, during, and after your appointment so there are no surprises. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Support Throughout Your Visit
Once your appointment starts, our focus remains on your comfort and well-being. We carefully monitor you throughout treatment and provide any recovery instructions before you leave. Our goal is to help you feel cared for, supported, and at ease from start to finish.
Your Concerns Come First
Many people assume they're the only ones who feel anxious about dental treatment. The truth is that dental fear is incredibly common. Dr. Calderwood and our team focus on creating an experience that feels welcoming, respectful, and free from judgment. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you need a little extra help relaxing or significant support overcoming dental anxiety, our team is here to help you receive care in a way that feels manageable.
Don't Let Anxiety Delay Your Care
Avoiding treatment often allows small dental problems to become larger ones. Sedation dentistry can help make appointments feel more approachable so you can get the care you need without unnecessary stress. We're here to help you explore your options and find an approach that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during dental sedation?
No. Both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation allow you to remain awake and responsive throughout treatment. Oral sedation typically creates a deeper sense of relaxation than nitrous oxide.
Is dental sedation safe?
For most healthy patients, dental sedation is considered very safe when administered according to appropriate guidelines and after reviewing your medical history.
How do I know which sedation option is right for me?
The best option depends on your anxiety level, health history, and planned treatment. We'll discuss your concerns and help determine which approach may be most appropriate.
Can children receive sedation?
Nitrous oxide is commonly used for both children and adults. We'll discuss whether it's appropriate based on your child's age, health history, and treatment needs.
How long does nitrous oxide last?
The effects wear off within minutes after the mask is removed, allowing most patients to return to their normal activities shortly after treatment.
How long does oral conscious sedation last?
The effects can continue for several hours after your appointment. You'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you until the medication has fully worn off.
Can I receive sedation for any dental procedure?
In many cases, yes. Sedation can often be used for everything from routine cleanings to more complex treatments, depending on your needs and overall health.