Feeling nervous about dental care is more common than you may think. Whether it’s past experiences, sensitive teeth, or fear of discomfort, dental anxiety can make it difficult to get the care you need. At Designing Smiles, we want every visit to feel safe and stress-free. That’s why we offer different levels of sedation dentistry tailored to your needs.
Sedation helps you relax during treatment so you can receive the dental care you deserve without stress. When you’re comfortable, our team can perform treatments more smoothly and efficiently, and you’ll leave the office with a healthier, more confident smile.
We currently offer two safe, proven options for dental sedation:
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the most widely used form of dental sedation.
How It Works:
– A small mask is placed over your nose, and you breathe in a gentle mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen.
– Within minutes, you’ll begin to feel calm, light, and more at ease.
– Once treatment is complete, the gas is turned off and the effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home afterward.
Benefits:
– Fast-acting and easily adjusted during treatment
– Wears off quickly with no lingering drowsiness
– Safe for both children and adults
– A great option for mild dental anxiety or shorter procedures
Oral conscious sedation is a stronger option that uses medication in pill form to help you feel deeply relaxed throughout your appointment.
How It Works:
– You’ll take a prescribed pill before your treatment begins.
– The medication makes you feel drowsy and calm, and in some cases, patients may even fall into a light sleep.
– You’ll remain conscious enough to respond to your dentist, but you may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
Benefits:
– Reduces moderate to severe dental anxiety
– Creates a deeper sense of relaxation than nitrous oxide
– Helpful for longer or more complex procedures
– Safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by your dentist
Important Note: Because this type of sedation can leave you feeling groggy for several hours, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment.
The best type of sedation depends on your level of anxiety, the treatment being performed, and your personal comfort preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Fung will review your health history, listen to your concerns, and help you choose the right option.
If dental fears have kept you from the care you need, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. More and more studies show that untreated dental problems can affect your overall health, linking gum disease to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. By choosing sedation dentistry, you can finally get the treatment you need in comfort and confidence.
📞 Call 651-390-6027 today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Fung and discover how sedation dentistry can make your visits worry-free.
