Choose Your Comfort Level
Explore Our Sedation Options
Your health, anxiety level, and planned treatment determine which option may fit. Explore each approach, then meet with our team for a personal recommendation.
Dental Care You Can Actually Relax Through
If the thought of a dental appointment makes your stomach drop, you are far from alone. Sedation dentistry makes the visit itself easier to get through.
Toothology offers three sedation options in our Scottsdale office, from mild to deep. Our team includes an IV-certified dentist, so we can handle the full range in-house rather than sending you elsewhere. We choose the lightest option that will do the job.
Your Sedation Options
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide is breathed through a soft nose mask. It takes the edge off within minutes and wears off just as fast, so you can drive yourself home. Learn about laughing gas.
Oral Sedation
A prescribed pill taken before your appointment brings a deeper calm. You stay awake but drowsy, and many people remember little of the visit. You will need a ride. Learn about oral sedation.
IV Sedation
Medication delivered through a vein produces the deepest level of relaxation we offer. Ideal for surgery, long visits, or severe anxiety. Learn about IV sedation.
Who Benefits From Sedation
Sedation is not only for people who are terrified of the dentist. It helps with many situations:
- Anxiety or a past experience that still bothers you
- A strong gag reflex that makes X-rays or impressions difficult
- Long or multi-procedure visits you would rather finish in one sitting
- Trouble getting fully numb with local anesthetic alone
- A low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth
- Physical conditions that make sitting still uncomfortable
Matching The Option To The Visit
The right choice depends on the procedure as much as the person. A nervous patient having a cleaning may only need laughing gas. A patient facing extractions, implants, or a full-mouth restoration often benefits most from IV sedation.
We will also consider your health history, what worked or did not work in the past, and whether you have someone available to drive you.
What To Expect With Sedation Dentistry
Consultation And Health Review
We go over your medical history, every medication and supplement you take, any pregnancy or breathing conditions, and whether you have sleep apnea. These details shape which option is safe for you.
Your Instructions
You receive written guidance on eating, drinking, medications, and who needs to come with you. Laughing gas requires no escort. Oral and IV sedation both require a responsible adult to drive you and stay with you afterward.
The Appointment
You are monitored throughout, and the treatment area is numbed with local anesthetic in addition to sedation.
Recovery
Laughing gas clears in minutes. After oral or IV sedation, expect to feel groggy for the rest of the day. For 24 hours, do not drive, work, sign documents, drink alcohol, or care for others on your own.
Breaks, Pacing, And A Hand Signal
Sedation is one tool. Good pacing is another. Before we begin, we agree on a simple hand signal. Raise it and we stop, no questions asked. You can ask for a break any time, and we build in extra time so nobody feels rushed.
Comfort Beyond Sedation
Toothology is not your average dental office, and comfort shows up in the small things. Warm blankets, headphones, and entertainment on the overhead screen.
Questions, Answered
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Which Sedation Option Is Best?
There is no single best. Laughing gas suits mild anxiety, oral sedation suits longer appointments, and IV sedation suits surgery or severe fear. Your consultation will point to the right one.
Can I Eat Before My Appointment?
With laughing gas, a light meal is fine. Oral and IV sedation usually come with fasting instructions. Follow the written directions exactly, or the appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Will I Be Asleep?
Not fully. Laughing gas keeps you alert and relaxed. Oral and IV sedation make you drowsy and less aware, but you still breathe on your own and respond to simple requests. None of these are general anesthesia.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation?
Sometimes, particularly when it is paired with oral surgery. Coverage varies by plan. We will check your benefits and give you an estimate before your visit.
Can I Drive Myself Home?
After laughing gas, yes. After oral or IV sedation, no. A responsible adult must drive you and remain with you.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation is safe when it follows careful screening, appropriate dosing, and continuous monitoring. Our team includes a dentist with IV sedation certification.