Feel heard.
Feel ready for care.

If anxiety has kept you from dental treatment, you can start with a conversation. We will listen to your concerns and discuss ways to manage discomfort and help you feel more at ease.

Start with what worries you.

A difficult past visit, a sensitive area or simply not knowing what comes next can make dental care feel overwhelming. Tell us when you call. We can talk through your concerns before treatment and make comfort part of the plan.

Talk with our team

Open ivory ceramic curves surrounding a small plum-colored stone. — Room to pause, ask questions and discuss what helps you feel comfortable.

Care that feels personal

“His bedside manner is calm, kind and compassionate.”

Renée G.Excerpt from a Healthgrades review · June 12, 2019View reviews on Healthgrades

Numbing and relaxation serve different purposes.

Local anesthesia numbs the area being treated to help control pain. Relaxation and sedation options address anxiety and awareness. Your plan may include both. Let the team know if you feel discomfort or need a pause.

Comfort options to discuss.

The choice depends on your health, the procedure and your concerns. A medication’s name or how it is given does not, by itself, determine the depth of sedation.

Oral anxiolysis

Light relaxation with oral medication

For some patients, a prescribed oral medicine such as Valium or Xanax can help ease anxiety. The goal is light relaxation while you remain responsive. Dr. Dreyer reviews your health history and medications before recommending an option.

Inhaled relaxation

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”

You breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nose mask. It can help you feel calmer while staying awake and able to communicate. Its effects usually fade soon after the gas is stopped.

A planned sedation visit

Oral conscious sedation

An oral medication such as Halcion may be used as part of a conscious-sedation plan. The aim is a more relaxed, drowsy experience while you can still respond to the clinical team. This requires advance planning, monitoring and recovery instructions.

When IV sedation is being considered.

IV moderate sedation uses medication given through a vein. It requires a separately coordinated plan and may involve referral to an oral surgeon or another qualified sedation provider. Contact our team to discuss the appropriate setting and availability for your case before scheduling.

A little planning before your visit.

Share your current medications, health conditions and any previous reactions to anesthesia or sedation.
Follow the specific instructions you receive about food, drink and medication timing.
For oral sedation, arrange a responsible adult to accompany you and take you home. Do not plan to drive after taking a sedative.
Take sedating medication only as directed for your appointment; call if any instructions are unclear.

Your questions, answered.

Will I be asleep?

Light relaxation and nitrous oxide are intended to keep you awake and responsive. With oral conscious sedation you may feel drowsy, but the intended level allows you to respond to the team. These options are different from general anesthesia, and responses vary.

Does every appointment need sedation?

No. The procedure, your preferences and your health guide the decision. Tell us what has helped or been difficult during previous dental visits.

Can I discuss anxiety before booking treatment?

Yes. You can contact the office directly without a referral. Describe your concerns when you call so the consultation can include a discussion of comfort options.

Learn about anesthesia and sedation from the ADA · More about nitrous oxide

Feel heard.Feel ready for care.