Reducing Dental Anxiety: Sedation Options for Comfortable Visits at Designing Smiles

You're Not Alone: Dental Anxiety Is Very Real

If the thought of going to the dentist makes your stomach turn—you’re not the only one. Studies show that up to 36% of people deal with dental anxiety, and about 12% experience extreme fear.

Some common triggers include:
– Fear of pain or needles
– Bad experiences in the past
– Sounds or smells in a dental office
– Embarrassment over oral health

The good news? We understand. At Designing Smiles, our entire approach is built around making you feel safe, supported, and in control.

Creating a Calming Experience from Start to Finish

Before we even talk sedation, our office has been intentionally designed to reduce stress the moment you walk in.

Here’s what patients love:
– Warm towels and blankets for added comfort
– Netflix or music with headphones during treatment
– A welcoming, no-judgment team that listens to your concerns
– Flexible scheduling and thorough explanations to help you feel prepared

Sedation Options Available at Designing Smiles

For patients who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer several safe and proven sedation methods:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

– Inhaled through a soft nose mask
– Helps you feel calm and floaty during your visit
– Wears off quickly so you can drive yourself home

Perfect for mild to moderate anxiety or longer procedures.

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

– A prescribed pill taken before your appointment
– Helps you feel deeply relaxed or drowsy—but still awake
– You’ll need a driver to and from the office

Best for moderate to severe anxiety or patients with a strong gag reflex.

3. Combined Sedation

In some cases, we combine oral sedation and nitrous oxide for enhanced comfort, especially during more complex procedures.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is a great option for:
– Anyone with dental anxiety or phobia
– People with a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth
– Those who have trouble sitting still for long periods
– Patients needing multiple treatments in one visit

We tailor your sedation plan based on your level of anxiety, health history, and the type of procedure being performed.

Safe, Judgment-Free Care in Roseville

One of the biggest things we hear from patients after their visit is,

“That wasn’t bad at all—I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”

At Designing Smiles, we’re not just focused on teeth—we’re focused on the whole person. That means listening, helping you feel at ease, and never rushing or judging. We’re proud to serve our Roseville community with a caring approach that puts comfort first.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’ve been putting off dental care because of fear or anxiety, let us help. We’ll walk you through every option and answer any questions you have—no pressure, just support. Contact us here

Dr. Deborah Fung

Dr. Deborah Fung earned her dental degree with honors in 1992 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In addition to serving as a dental officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 12 years, she has also continued her education in many areas of dentistry, including orthodontics, endodontics (root canal therapy), implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.