The Complete Guide to Sedation Dentistry: Everything to Know

April 3, 2023

If you are considering sedation dentistry for an upcoming procedure, this guide can help. Here is everything you need to know about sedation dentistry.

About 36% of the population in the United States is scared of dentists.

If you're part of that population, you might be a good sedation dentistry candidate.

But what is sedation dentistry, and is it safe? Keep reading to find out all you need to know about how sedation dentistry can be used for improving your dental health!

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental sedation is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry" as well. This is where the dentist will use one of the available types of sedation to put the patient to sleep for a procedure.

However, it can also be dentistry that just makes the patients more comfortable and calm so that they're not anxious during the procedure.

One example of sedation dentistry is laughing gas. This is also known as nitrous oxide, and it can make a patient feel relaxed while a dentist performs procedures like replacing crowns or giving root canals.

How Does It Work?

There are different methods for each type of dental sedation, and your dentist will determine which option is best suited for your procedure. These factors might include things like the type of procedure being performed.

For example, if you're having a major surgery like wisdom teeth removal, then you might need general anesthesia. It will also depend on how anxious you are about dental procedures and the length of the procedure.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

With sedation dentistry, there are different types of sedation that you might experience. These include:

Oral sedation
Inhaled sedation
IV sedation
General anesthesia

Oral sedation can vary from minimal to moderate, but it depends on the procedure and the dosage. For minimal sedation, you'll likely just take a pill.

Halcion and Valium are the most common sedatives, and you'll take them about an hour before your procedure. The pill will make you feel tired and relaxed, but you'll still be awake.

If you need moderate sedation, then you may have a stronger pill. You'll feel groggy, and you'll be able to fall asleep during the procedure. However, you can be woken up with just a gentle nudge.

With inhaled sedation, you'll likely get nitrous oxide or laughing gas. You'll have a mask put over your mouth and nose, and the gas will help you relax. The dentist can control how much sedation you receive.

This is minimal sedation, and you'll still be able to drive yourself home when the procedure is done.

With IV sedation, you'll have a needle inserted into your vein. This is the fastest-acting sedation, and the dentist will still be able to control how much sedation you receive.

With general anesthesia, you'll actually be put to sleep. This is the heaviest form of sedation, and you will be completely unaware of what's happening during the procedure.

This sedation is reserved for serious procedures, like surgery or bone grafting, and is not very common. If you're going under general anesthesia, you'll also need to have an anesthesiologist present to monitor your vitals.

Who Might Need Dental Sedation?

People of all ages could require dental sedation, even children. Dentists recommend sedation dentistry for people who might experience dental anxiety or phobias of the dentist.

It could also be used for someone who has a fear of needles or claustrophobia. Or for people who have really sensitive teeth so that they won't feel as much pain during the procedure.

You might also need dental sedation if you have special needs, whether they're behavioral, cognitive, or physical.

Some people also have a decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia, which requires the need for extra anesthesia or sedation.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

When going to a sedation dentist in Arlington TX, you'll experience one of the major benefits, which is overcoming your fear of dental health care. You'll actually be able to receive the care that you need.

It can also be beneficial for people who don't have a fear of the dentist. For example, if you have a lot of work that needs to be done and you don't want to be uncomfortable, you can have mild sedation. If you struggle to sit still for too long, this can help with the long procedure as well.

Is It Safe?

There is always a risk associated with anesthesia treatments, and your dentist should let you know of these risks upfront. However, in general, it's a safe procedure, especially if you have an experienced dentist.

There are some people who are at higher risk of anesthesia, including people who have severe sleep apnea or obesity. However, if you talk with your dentist before the sedation, you can be properly informed of your choices.

When choosing a sedation dentist, you should thoroughly vet and trust them. Before the procedure, go over your medical history with the doctor and disclose anything that might affect the sedation. The dentist should ask you about any medication you're taking at the moment.

You should also receive a form from the dentist outlining some of the risks of the procedure. Review this document carefully, and ask the dentist any questions that you might have.

You should also ask what type of sedative you'll be receiving. This may vary depending on the procedure you're undergoing, along with your age and current health. When you find out what type of sedation you'll get, ask if the dosage is recommended by the FDA.

Lastly, the dentist should also monitor your vital signs during the procedure. The American Dental Association has guidelines about this, and this means ensuring that the dentist will have oxygen and drugs to reverse the sedation in case you need it.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry

These are only a few important things to know about sedation dentistry, but if you have more questions, talk to your dentist.

You should choose a dentist that you feel comfortable with and that you trust.

If you're looking for the right sedation dentist, reach out to us today, and we can schedule an appointment with you!

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.