At Park Cities Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we understand that dental procedures—especially surgery—can be a source of anxiety for many patients. That is why your comfort is one of our top priorities. Our goal is to make every visit as stress-free as possible, while delivering the highest standard of care.

We offer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options to meet your individual needs. During your consultation, we will discuss each option with you in detail and help you choose the approach that best supports your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Supporting Patients with Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is more common than many people realize. For some, it may cause mild nervousness, while others experience more intense fear that prevents them from seeking even routine care. If you have ever delayed or avoided treatment due to fear or past experiences, know that you are not alone—and we are here to help.

We take dental anxiety seriously and offer supportive, non-judgmental care. In addition to personalized sedation options, we focus on clear communication and gentle techniques to help you feel calm and confident throughout your visit.

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Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific area of your mouth, so you do not feel pain during your procedure. We gently administer the anesthetic into the surrounding gum tissue near the treatment area. It takes effect within minutes and can last for several hours, even after you return home.

Local anesthesia is used for nearly all procedures and can be combined with other sedation options to enhance your comfort. It ensures that you remain pain-free throughout your treatment.

IV Sedation (Moderate Conscious Sedation)

IV sedation is one of the most effective options for managing anxiety during dental procedures. With this method, sedative medication is delivered through a small catheter placed in a vein—usually in your arm or hand—right before your procedure begins.

You will remain able to breathe on your own and able to respond to questions if needed, but you will feel deeply relaxed, calm and unaware of the details of the procedure. Many patients describe it as feeling like they drifted off in a dream, or took a nap. Most remember very little, if anything, afterward.

IV sedation is ideal for surgical treatments and for patients who feel anxious or have a strong gag reflex. It also allows us to adjust the level of sedation throughout your procedure to ensure you stay comfortable the entire time.

You are not completely unconscious or intubated like you would be under general anesthesia. This form of sedation is ideal for most surgical procedures done in our office. It significantly reduces stress and anxiety, while also making it more comfortable for the patient to lay in the dental chair for an extended period. The sedatives are out of your system the next morning, so you can return to normal activities. You are required to have someone to pick you up and take you home after a procedure with IV sedation.

Benefits of IV Sedation:

  • Deep Relaxation – Feel calm and at ease throughout your procedure
  • Reduced Memory of the Procedure – Often little or no recollection afterward
  • Fast Acting – Begins working quickly and allows treatment to start without delay
  • Adjustable – We can fine-tune the level of sedation in real time for your comfort

Physician-led Anesthesia Services (Level IV sedation)

We partner with several board-certified MD anesthesiologists that will come into our office and provide a concierge anesthesia experience to provide a deeper hospital-like sedation. They ensure patient safety, comfort, and efficiency for very complex or long procedures, and/or to allow a medically compromised patient to be treated safely and comfortably.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill at our office before your procedure begins. This method provides a lighter, calming effect and is a great option for patients with mild dental anxiety.

While you will remain awake and responsive, you will feel more relaxed and less aware of the details of the procedure. Oral sedation is not as strong as IV sedation and typically does not produce the same amnestic effect (loss of memory of the procedure), but it can still be very helpful for making your visit more comfortable.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for a short period afterward.

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Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)

Nitrous oxide is a very mild sedative that is inhaled through a small nasal mask. It creates a gentle sense of relaxation and may make the appointment feel like it goes by more quickly. You will stay fully awake and aware, but less anxious.

This form of sedation takes effect quickly and also wears off within minutes after the mask is removed, meaning you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. While it is commonly used for children, nitrous oxide can be an excellent option for adults with mild anxiety or for shorter procedures.

Personalized, Compassionate Care

At Park Cities Periodontics, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to your care. Whether you are receiving a simple treatment or a complex surgical procedure, we will work with you to choose the best anesthesia and sedation options for your specific needs. If you have delayed treatment because of anxiety, we want you to know that it is possible to have a comfortable, stress-free experience. Dr. Tomlin, Dr. Bowers and our caring team are here to support you every step of the way.

Have questions about which sedation option might be right for you? Give us a call at 214-522-9700 or send us a message to schedule your consultation. We are here to help.