For many people, the thought of sitting in a dental chair is enough to keep them away from the care they need. Whether it’s a fear of needles, the sound of instruments, or a past experience that didn’t go well, dental anxiety is more common than most patients realize. In fact, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience moderate to high dental fear and anxiety that can prevent them from seeking oral health care. When anxiety stands between you and a healthy smile, sedation dentistry offers a path forward.
At Mesa Dental, we believe every patient deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and in control during dental treatment. Our Summerlin practice is certified to provide multiple levels of sedation, so whether you’re coming in for a routine visit or a more involved procedure, we can tailor your experience to meet your needs. From gentle relaxation to deeper sedation administered by a certified partner, we make it possible to get the care you’ve been putting off, without the fear and tension that once held you back.
Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety can lead to bigger problems down the road? Mesa Dental's sedation options help you stay on track with preventive care—comfortably.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is not the same as general anesthesia in all cases, though some forms do allow patients to sleep through their treatment entirely. The level of sedation used depends on the procedure, the patient’s anxiety level, and their overall health history. Our team takes time to understand your concerns before recommending a sedation approach, because we believe whole-health dentistry means treating the whole person, not just the teeth.
Sedation is a practical option for a wide range of patients, including those who experience significant anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, need multiple procedures completed in a single visit, or have difficulty sitting still for extended periods. It can also be helpful for patients who have previously avoided the dentist for years and need more comprehensive work done. With the right sedation approach, we can often accomplish more in one appointment, reducing the number of visits you need overall.
Sedation dentistry eliminates the fear and anxiety that prevents many people from maintaining their oral health. You can complete multiple procedures in a single appointment, reducing the number of visits needed and saving you time. This approach proves especially valuable for patients with busy schedules or those who live far from the dental office.
The relaxation that sedation provides helps your dentist work more efficiently. When you remain calm and still, procedures proceed more smoothly, often requiring less time in the chair. Many patients report little to no memory of their treatment, which helps reduce anxiety about future appointments.
Nitrous oxide is one of the most widely used and well-established forms of sedation in dentistry. Administered through a small mask placed over the nose, it produces a calm, relaxed feeling within minutes. Patients remain fully conscious and can respond to instructions throughout the procedure, but the anxiety that might otherwise make treatment difficult is greatly reduced.
One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it leaves your system. Because the effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask, most patients can drive themselves home after their appointment and return to normal activities the same day. This makes it an ideal option for patients who need mild to moderate relaxation but do not want to take time away from their regular routine. Our team will walk you through what to expect before placing the mask, so there are no surprises.
Nitrous oxide works well for a broad range of patients, but it is especially beneficial for those who feel mild to moderate anxiety, patients undergoing shorter procedures, and individuals who need to remain functional immediately after their appointment. It is also commonly used for children and adults alike because of its safety record and predictable effects. If you are unsure whether nitrous oxide is the right fit, we are happy to discuss the options with you during your consultation.
Mesa Dental's fee-for-service model means more time with your dentist to discuss your concerns and find the right sedation option for you.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication by mouth before your appointment, typically about an hour before arriving at the office. The medication produces a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide while still allowing you to remain awake and responsive during treatment. Many patients feel drowsy and may drift in and out of a light sleep, though they can still be roused if needed.
This form of sedation is a popular choice for patients who want more relief than laughing gas provides but are not candidates for or do not require IV sedation. Because the medication is taken in pill form, there are no needles involved in the sedation process itself, which many patients find reassuring. You will need a driver to and from your appointment, and you should avoid making important decisions or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day.
Before your appointment, we will review your medical history and current medications to ensure the selected sedative is appropriate for you. The effects of oral sedation can vary from person to person, so we will provide specific instructions for the day of your appointment. Most patients remember very little about the procedure afterward, which many find to be one of the most welcome outcomes.
At Mesa Dental, Dr. Emily Browner and our team are committed to creating an environment where anxiety does not have to stand between you and a healthy smile. We take a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to every visit, and our sedation options reflect that same commitment. Whether you need the lightest touch of nitrous oxide or the deeper relief of IV sedation, we will work with you to find the right solution for your situation. We also work with a dental anesthesiologist to offer general sedation, where we complete treatments in one visit, and patients are completely asleep.
If you have been putting off dental care because of fear or anxiety, we encourage you to take the first step. Our Summerlin practice is here to listen, answer your questions, and build a treatment plan around your comfort. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn which sedation option is right for you.
We make quality dental care accessible with flexible payment options.
We work with most PPO insurance plans. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment begins.
We offer financing through CareCredit to help break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. Apply and get instant credit decision.
For patients without insurance, our in-house membership program starts at just $33/month and includes cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments.
Questions? Call us at (702) 640-0004 to discuss your coverage, financing, or membership options.
Mesa Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Las Vegas and Summerlin. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and whole-health approach delivers exceptional results. Below are just some of the services we provide.
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals and discover how Mesa Dental can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
