SEDATION DENTISTRY
Changing your view of dentistry in Tumwater, WA.
ARE YOU FEELING NERVOUS?
Find real relief from dental anxiety with our sedation options.
Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
Together we will decide what treatment is needed and how we can best help you through your dental visits.
What types of procedures are included in cosmetic dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
Request an Appointment
Your Sedation Options
Making your dental appointment painless and comfortable.

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is provided through a nose hood and is administered throughout the entire procedure. Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke an overall sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure. You are able to drive yourself to and from each appointment when nitrous oxide is used.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral medication is provided prior to treatment, and then nitrous oxide is added to induce a more profound state of sedation. You are still “awake,” but your senses are dulled. This means that most patients cannot remember the pain, smells, or noises associated with the dental procedure. You will need a driver to and from the appointment when oral medication is used.


IV Sedation
Patients who have previously experienced IV sedation report feeling like they slept through the entire procedure. A treatment taking several hours will feel like minutes when you are sedated. This type of sedation is typically used for longer procedures or more complicated oral surgeries, but can also be used for simple fillings or even cleanings. You will need a driver to and from the appointment with IV sedation.
I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?
There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times.
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
- Moderate Sedation — Conscious sedation is used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
How are sedatives administered?
- Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
- Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.



































































