Dental Care Without The Dread
Laughing gas, oral sedation, and conscious IV sedation can make dental care feel calmer, more manageable, and easier to complete.
Mountain View Smiles
Dental fear can come from a past experience, a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, embarrassment, sounds or smells, or simply not feeling in control. Whatever the reason, you are not difficult and you are not alone. Avoiding care often allows a small concern to become more urgent, so finding the right support matters.
Mountain View Smiles offers several levels of sedation dentistry because no single option fits every person or procedure. Dr. Brent Woodmansee holds a master certification from the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology–College of Sedation in Dentistry. He also has additional training in IV sedation, caring for medically compromised patients, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support instruction.
Sedation does not replace communication. We still explain your options, answer your questions, numb the treatment area when needed, and monitor you throughout the visit.
Mountain View Smiles
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed through a small nose mask. It helps take the edge off anxiety while you remain awake and able to communicate. The effects wear off quickly after the gas is stopped, though you should follow the specific instructions our team provides.
Oral sedation uses prescribed medication taken before the appointment. It may be appropriate when anxiety is stronger or the visit is expected to be longer. You will feel deeply relaxed and need to follow strict instructions about medication, food, drink, transportation, and having a responsible adult available.
IV sedation delivers medication in a controlled way for a deeper level of relaxation. You may feel very sleepy and remember little of the visit, but conscious sedation is designed so you can still respond to directions. Our team monitors you during treatment and provides detailed preparation and recovery instructions.
Mountain View Smiles
Sedation may help if you:
Your medical history, medications, planned procedure, and level of anxiety all affect which option is safe and appropriate. A consultation is required before oral or IV sedation is scheduled.
Mountain View Smiles
We ask about your health, previous sedation experiences, current medications, allergies, anxiety, and treatment needs. Be complete and honest; this information is essential for safe planning.
Instructions vary by sedation type. You may need to adjust food or drink, arrange an escort, and avoid driving or important decisions after the visit. Never take sedating medication unless it was prescribed and timed by your dental team.
We confirm your health information, explain what will happen, and begin the planned sedation. Appropriate monitoring continues throughout treatment. The treatment area is also numbed when the procedure requires it.
Laughing gas usually clears quickly. Oral and IV sedation require a responsible adult to take you home and monitor you according to the written instructions. Rest and do not drive until you have been cleared under your care instructions.
Helpful Answers
Common options include nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, and oral conscious sedation taken as a pill before your appointment. The team at Mountain View Smiles will recommend the option that fits your anxiety level, health history, and the procedure you need.
With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you stay awake and able to respond, but you feel deeply relaxed. Many patients remember little of the appointment afterward. We monitor you throughout the visit for safety.
Sedation can help patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, difficulty getting numb, or longer and more involved procedures. It can also help people who have avoided the dentist for years catch up on care in fewer visits.
After nitrous oxide, most patients can drive once the effects wear off within a few minutes. If you receive oral sedation, you will need a trusted adult to drive you to and from our Scottsdale, AZ office and stay with you for a few hours.
Mountain View Smiles · Scottsdale
Talk with Mountain View Smiles about sedation dentistry in Scottsdale and find the right level of support for your next visit.
