Anxiety-free dental care for a comfortable, stress-free experience
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you need, sedation dentistry can help. Dr. Cannady offers safe, effective sedation options that allow you to relax completely during your treatment—some patients even sleep through their entire appointment.
Whether you have a fear of needles, a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, or simply feel anxious about dental visits, sedation dentistry can make your experience comfortable and stress-free.
Our goal is to ensure every patient receives the dental care they need in a calm, comfortable environment. You don't have to let fear stand in the way of a healthy smile.
If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you nervous or causes panic, sedation can help you feel calm and relaxed.
For patients who are afraid of injections, sedation can be administered before numbing begins.
Sedation helps relax your reflexes, making treatment more comfortable for patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
If you need extensive dental work, sedation allows us to complete more treatment in fewer visits.
Some patients require higher levels of anesthesia. Sedation can enhance the numbing effect.
If you've had negative dental experiences in the past, sedation can help you feel safe and comfortable again.
Best for: Mild to moderate anxiety, shorter procedures
Inhaled through a small mask, nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed and calm while remaining fully conscious. You'll be able to respond to questions and follow instructions. The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed, so you can drive yourself home.
Best for: Moderate to severe anxiety, longer procedures
You'll take a prescribed oral sedative about an hour before your appointment. You'll feel deeply relaxed and may even doze off, but you'll still be able to be awakened and respond. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure.
Your safety is our top priority. Dr. Cannady has received specialized training in sedation dentistry and follows strict safety protocols to ensure your wellbeing throughout your appointment.
During sedation, we continuously monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. We'll also review your medical history and current medications to ensure sedation is safe for you.
Before your sedation appointment, we'll provide detailed instructions on how to prepare, what to expect, and aftercare guidelines to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience.
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by a trained professional. Dr. Cannady has received specialized training in sedation techniques and follows strict safety protocols. We carefully review your medical history and monitor you throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you remain conscious but deeply relaxed. You may feel drowsy or even doze off with oral sedation, but you can be awakened if needed. You'll still be able to respond to questions and follow instructions. This is different from general anesthesia, where you are completely unconscious.
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after the mask is removed, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Oral sedation lasts several hours, and you'll need someone to drive you home. You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid operating machinery or making important decisions.
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover sedation for certain procedures or patients with documented anxiety. We'll check your benefits and provide a cost estimate before your appointment. Even if sedation isn't covered, many patients find the comfort and stress relief well worth the investment.
For oral sedation, we typically recommend not eating or drinking for several hours before your appointment. For nitrous oxide, you can usually eat a light meal beforehand. We'll provide specific pre-appointment instructions based on the type of sedation you'll receive.