Sedation Dentistry — Comfortable Care for Anxious Patients
If fear of the dentist has kept you from getting the care you need, we can help. Gentle sedation options for a calm, stress-free experience.
Dental anxiety is real — and it affects far more people than you might think. Studies suggest that 30 to 40 percent of adults experience some level of fear about visiting the dentist, and for about 10 percent, that fear is severe enough to avoid dental care altogether. If this sounds like you, you are not alone, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
At Summit Ridge Dental, we specialize in helping anxious patients get the care they need comfortably. Our sedation options — nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation — allow you to relax completely during your treatment. You remain awake and responsive, but you feel deeply calm and may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
Dr. Maria Vasquez, DDS has a particular focus on gentle, anxiety-free dentistry. Her warm, unhurried approach and careful communication style put even the most nervous patients at ease. She takes the time to explain every step, answer every question, and ensure you feel in control throughout the process.
Sedation Options at Summit Ridge Dental
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Best for: Mild to moderate anxiety, short procedures, patients who need to drive themselves home.
A small mask is placed over your nose, delivering a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within minutes, you feel relaxed, warm, and slightly euphoric. You remain fully conscious and can communicate with your dentist. When the mask is removed, the effects wear off within 3 to 5 minutes. Most patients can drive home immediately afterward.
Cost: Adds $50 to $100 to your visit.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Best for: Moderate to severe anxiety, longer procedures, patients with a strong gag reflex.
You take a prescribed sedative pill (typically a benzodiazepine like triazolam) about an hour before your appointment. By the time you sit in the chair, you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. You are conscious and can respond to instructions, but most patients have little or no memory of the procedure. The effects last several hours.
Cost: Adds $150 to $300 to your visit.
Note: You must have a responsible adult drive you to and from the appointment and stay with you for a few hours afterward.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with dental anxiety or phobia, those who need extensive treatment completed in fewer visits, patients with a strong gag reflex, and anyone who has difficulty sitting still for long procedures.
You might be a good candidate for sedation if:
You avoid the dentist due to fear or anxiety — whether from a bad past experience, fear of needles, sensitivity to sounds, or a general feeling of unease in the dental chair.
You have a strong gag reflex that makes dental work uncomfortable or difficult.
You need multiple procedures — sedation allows us to complete more work in a single visit, reducing the total number of appointments you need.
You have sensitive teeth that make even routine cleanings uncomfortable despite local anesthesia.
You have difficulty sitting still for extended periods due to back pain, neck issues, or simply restlessness.
Your child is anxious — nitrous oxide is safe and effective for young patients and can turn a stressful visit into a positive experience.
If you are unsure whether sedation is right for you, we can discuss your concerns during a consultation. There is absolutely no pressure — our goal is to find whatever approach makes you most comfortable.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Yes — when administered by a trained dental professional with proper screening and monitoring. Before recommending sedation, we review your complete medical history, current medications, allergies, and any health conditions that could affect sedation safety. Patients with certain heart, liver, kidney, or respiratory conditions may require a modified approach.
During your procedure, we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels throughout. Our team is trained in emergency protocols and keeps emergency medications and equipment on hand at all times.
Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation have decades of safe use in dentistry and are approved by the American Dental Association for use in dental offices by qualified practitioners.
Dr. Maria Vasquez, DDS
Gentle & Sedation Dentistry Specialist
University of Arizona · AEGD Residency · 7+ years · Spanish-speaking
Dr. Maria Vasquez, DDS
Dr. Vasquez has built her practice around patient comfort. She takes additional time at the start of every appointment to understand each patient's specific fears, explain what will happen, and establish a "stop signal" so patients always feel in control. Her gentle chairside manner and genuine empathy have made her the go-to doctor for anxious patients at Summit Ridge Dental.
She practices primarily at our Gilbert office, with additional availability in Scottsdale. She speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
View Dr. Vasquez's Full Bio"I had not been to a dentist in eight years because of anxiety. Dr. Vasquez was so kind and patient during my consultation — she did not judge me at all. I opted for oral sedation for my first treatment and honestly do not remember much of it. I woke up and all the work was done. I have been going regularly ever since."
— Rachel M. · Gilbert, AZ · Sedation Patient
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate relaxation, and oral conscious sedation for deeper calm during longer or more involved procedures. Both keep you awake and responsive — neither is general anesthesia.
No. You will be conscious and able to respond to your dentist throughout the procedure. You will feel deeply relaxed and may feel drowsy, but you are not unconscious. Many patients report that the time seems to pass very quickly.
Yes, when administered by a qualified dental professional. We review your medical history, current medications, and health conditions before recommending sedation. Your vitals are monitored throughout the procedure. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation have decades of safe use in dentistry.
Nitrous oxide adds $50 to $100 to your visit. Oral sedation adds $150 to $300. Some insurance plans cover sedation when medically necessary. We will verify your benefits before your appointment.
For oral sedation, yes — you need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, and most patients can drive themselves home after a nitrous-only appointment.
Yes. Nitrous oxide is commonly and safely used for children who are anxious about dental visits. It wears off quickly and helps young patients relax. Oral sedation for children is evaluated case by case. Dr. Patel and Dr. Vasquez both have pediatric experience.
Related Resources
Book a Relaxed Visit — We Specialize in Gentle Care
You deserve dental care without the anxiety. Call us to discuss your sedation options, or book online and note that you are interested in sedation.