Our Las Vegas dental office understands that dental appointments can trigger anxiety for those who have had negative experiences in the past. We aim to change how you feel about visiting the dentist because having healthy teeth should not mean you are uncomfortable or stressed. At the offices of Drs. Chin & Pharar, our Las Vegas general dentists, are proud to offer sedation dentistry options to make your next procedure painless and anxiety-free. Whether you’re facing dental implant surgery, cosmetic procedures, or routine care, our sedation options help patients receive treatment comfortably.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedatives from dental professionals are different from the sedatives used by other medical providers. Most sedation options at the dentist are meant to keep you awake and relaxed, while eliminating pain. Consciousness is crucial to the success of the given procedure. By keeping you awake, you’re able to keep your mouth open, respond to our questions, and allow us to check in on how you’re feeling.
Additional benefits include:
- Eliminates anxiety
- Reduces pain
- Enhances your comfort
- Stifles your gag reflex
- Allows multiple procedures in the same sitting
Flexible Payment Plans Available
Comprehensive dental treatments with flexible financing options to make quality care affordable for everyone.
Types of Sedation We Offer
Both options keep you relaxed and comfortable while you stay fully awake and able to respond. Our Summerlin dental office offers two forms of conscious sedation, nitrous oxide and oral sedation, so we can match the right approach to your anxiety level and the length of your visit.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation uses a prescription tablet you take about one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you feel calm and at ease, and the medication keeps you in a relaxed, moderately sedated state while you remain conscious. Because your reflexes are slower, you will need someone to drive you to and from the visit. Many patients with higher anxiety, or those facing longer procedures such as dental implant treatment, find oral sedation makes care far more comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative you breathe in through a small mask over your nose. You begin to feel calm within a few minutes, and we adjust the level throughout your visit. Because the effects wear off quickly once you breathe normal oxygen again, most patients feel clear headed enough to drive themselves home. Both options are safe when monitored by trained, licensed professionals, and you can read more in our guide to sedation during a procedure. Nitrous oxide suits mild anxiety and shorter visits, while oral sedation fits higher anxiety and longer appointments.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You
Sedation dentistry can help almost anyone who feels uneasy about dental care, not only patients with severe anxiety. You may be a good candidate if you:
Our team reviews your health history and comfort level to recommend the gentlest option for your special needs and medically complex care.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe
Yes. For healthy patients, nitrous oxide and oral sedation are well established and safe when they are provided and monitored by trained, licensed dental professionals. Before any sedation, our team reviews your medical history and current medications to confirm the right option for you, and we watch your comfort throughout the appointment. The American Dental Association notes that nitrous oxide is a safe, effective way to manage anxiety, and its effects clear quickly once the gas is stopped (American Dental Association).
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Visit
Knowing how a sedation visit works helps you feel prepared and at ease from start to finish.
Before
We review your health history and medications, explain your options, and confirm whether you need a driver. Oral sedation patients arrange a ride, because the medication is taken about an hour ahead.
During
You stay awake and able to respond while feeling calm and comfortable. We adjust your sedation as needed and monitor you closely for the whole procedure.
After
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, so many patients drive themselves home. Oral sedation lingers longer, so a companion drives you and you rest for the remainder of the day.
How Much Does Dental Sedation Cost?
While we don’t currently offer IV sedation, our office provides the following options to help ease anxiety:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): $80 to $100 per hour
- Anxiety Oral Medication: $200
Key Factors Affecting Sedation Costs:
- Treatment Duration: Longer procedures may require extended sedation times.
- Personal Comfort Levels: Some patients may require multiple sedation options for a fully relaxed experience.
- Insurance Coverage: Sedation is often considered elective, so it may not be covered by insurance.
We believe a calm, comfortable experience should be available to everyone, which is why we offer flexible payment options through Alphaeon, CareCredit, and our in-office membership plan. These financing solutions help patients throughout Nevada access the sedation care they need without financial stress. Learn more about our savings plan options.
Sedation Dentistry FAQ
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
Will I remember my appointment?
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
How do I prepare for a sedation appointment?
Does dental insurance cover sedation?
Meet Your Las Vegas Sedation Dentists
Drs. Chin and Pharar are graduates of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine who built their practice around calm, comfortable care for anxious, medically complex, and special needs patients.
Dr. Robert Chin, DMD
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Chin completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center, training in a Trauma I hospital setting. He cares for adults with complex needs and often adapts treatment with extra chairside time rather than defaulting to sedation. Read his full bio.
Dr. Jessica Pharar, DMD
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Pharar completed advanced training in treating medically complex cases and cares for patients with serious health histories, including those facing cancer treatment. She founded The Pharar Foundation to provide dental care to cancer patients at no cost. Read her full bio.
Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Visit
At the offices of Drs. Chin and Pharar, calm and comfortable dentistry is part of everyday care. Our team pairs nitrous oxide and oral sedation with a gentle, unhurried approach that makes complex and high anxiety visits easier.
If fear or discomfort has kept you from the dental care you need, sedation can help you move forward. Request an appointment through our contact form and we will help you plan a visit that feels easy from start to finish.
