Sedation dentistry for adults who are afraid of the dentist
Our sedation appointments are built for people who want dental care without fear, panic, or embarrassment — in a private, one-on-one setting.
You stay safe.
You stay relaxed.
And you won’t remember much afterward.
Some people call this “sleep dentistry.” You’re not actually asleep — but for most patients, it feels close enough that they can’t tell the difference.
Request an AppointmentTwo ways we help you relax
Oral conscious sedation
A prescribed relaxation pill taken before your appointment. This is what we specialize in, and it’s what our Private Friday appointments are built around. It’s the right choice for most adults with real fear, for people who’ve avoided care for years, and for anyone who needs a lot of work done in one visit.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Breathed through a small mask during your visit, and gone within minutes after. A lighter option for mild nerves, or for regular visits once the big work is behind you.
We do not offer IV sedation or general anesthesia. For the patients we serve, we’ve found that’s rarely what they actually want — most want to feel calm, not unconscious, and most want to avoid needles. Oral sedation does both.
Who this is for
Sedation may be right for you if you:
- Feel anxious, fearful, or panicked about dental visits
- Have avoided the dentist for years — or decades
- Feel embarrassed about the condition of your teeth
- Had a painful or humiliating experience at another office
- Have a strong gag reflex or trouble getting numb
- Need extensive work and want it done in fewer, longer visits
- Would rather not have an IV
It may not be right for you if you’re looking for total unconsciousness, have specific medical conditions that limit oral sedation, or require hospital-level anesthesia. We’ll review all of this together at your consultation — and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you.
Why we specialize in oral sedation
We chose to build our practice around oral conscious sedation for a reason. Compared to IV sedation, it:
- Feels less “medical” and less intimidating
- Needs no needle or IV line to get started
- Produces predictable, controlled relaxation
- Has an excellent safety record for appropriate candidates
- Works especially well for people whose fear is about loss of control, not just pain
Most importantly, it lets us do something most offices can’t: give you a private, extended appointment where nothing is rushed.
Safety comes first
Dr. DeVuyst has provided oral conscious sedation for more than ten years. He has completed the DOCS (Dental Oral Conscious Sedation) Adult Oral Sedation Dentistry course work and our team stays up to date on dental emergency preparedness and CPR training.
Before any sedation appointment is scheduled, we:
- Meet with you in person for a consultation. Dr. DeVuyst and his assistants talk through your needs and take a look when you’re ready; then Jenny, our Patient Care Coordinator, walks you through the plan, fees, and process in her office, well away from the treatment area — sometimes the same day, sometimes on a day that works better for you.
- Review your full medical history and all medications
- Give you clear written instructions for before and after your visit
- Confirm you have a trusted adult to drive you to and from the office
During your appointment, you are monitored continuously for comfort and safety by Dr. DeVuyst and his assistants. Your safety is never assumed and never rushed.
What sedation costs
The sedation appointment itself — the medication, the extended private time, and monitoring — is about $350, in addition to whatever treatment you need. Treatment costs vary widely from person to person, which is why your consultation comes first: you’ll know exactly what to expect, no surprises!
We accept most insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Monthly payment plans are available through Sunbit and CareCredit.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep?
No. You’ll be deeply relaxed and drowsy, and you can still respond if we speak to you. Most patients remember little or nothing of the appointment afterward, which is why people call it “sleep dentistry” — but you are never unconscious.
Is oral sedation safe?
For healthy adults who are appropriate candidates, oral conscious sedation has an excellent safety record. We review your medical history carefully first and monitor you throughout your appointment.
Do I need someone to drive me?
Yes. You’ll need a trusted adult to bring you to the office and take you home. Plan on resting for the remainder of the day.
Can I eat before my appointment?
You’ll receive specific instructions at your consultation. Generally, you’ll be asked not to eat for a period before your visit.
How much work can be done in one visit?
Often a great deal. Because you’re relaxed and the appointment is private and unhurried, years of needed care can frequently be completed in a single Friday.
What if I haven’t been to a dentist in years?
You’re exactly who this was built for. There’s nothing you can show us that we haven’t seen, and no one here will lecture you.
Will I need sedation every time?
Most of our patients don’t. Once the big work is done and the fear has eased, many come back for regular cleanings with nothing more than a friendly face — or a little nitrous.
You don’t have to decide anything today
The first step is just a calm conversation about whether sedation is right for you. No pressure, no commitment.
Request an Appointment