Comfort-First Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry That Actually Works for Anxious Patients

Three sedation options, decades of experience helping fearful patients, and a team trained to make you feel safe from the moment you walk in. You don't have to keep putting it off.

3 sedation levels available
Special needs accommodations
No judgment, ever

Schedule a Sedation Consult

Free phone consultation · No commitment

Why Sedation Matters

You're Not "Being Dramatic" — Dental Fear Is Real

Roughly 1 in 4 adults avoids dental care entirely because of anxiety. We see it every week: people who haven't been to a dentist in 5, 10, even 20 years. They're not lazy or careless. They're scared — often because of a bad experience years ago, or because the sounds, smells, and loss of control simply overwhelm them.

At Desert Choice Dental, we don't dismiss that fear and we don't lecture you about it. We've built our entire patient experience around making sedation accessible, safe, and effective — so you can finally get the care you've been postponing.

Dr. Nivin has been performing sedation dentistry for over two decades. She holds advanced certifications and has personally guided hundreds of severely anxious patients, special needs patients, and complex-case patients through procedures they thought they could never tolerate.

Your Sedation Options

Three Levels. One Goal: Your Comfort.

Dr. Nivin will help you choose the right option based on your anxiety level, the procedure, and your medical history.

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Level 1 · Mild

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

The gentlest sedation option. You breathe in a mild gas through a small mask — within minutes you feel relaxed, calm, and slightly euphoric. You stay fully awake and in control the entire time.

  • Best for: Mild to moderate anxiety, routine cleanings, fillings
  • Onset: 3–5 minutes
  • Recovery: Wears off in 5–10 minutes — you can drive home
  • Memory: You'll remember the visit
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Level 2 · Moderate

Oral Conscious Sedation

A prescribed pill taken about an hour before your appointment. You'll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy but still able to respond to instructions. Most patients remember very little of the procedure afterward.

  • Best for: Moderate to severe anxiety, longer procedures
  • Onset: 30–60 minutes
  • Recovery: Several hours — you'll need a ride home
  • Memory: Most patients remember little or nothing
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Level 3 · Deep

IV Sedation

Our deepest sedation option. Medication is administered through a small IV, putting you in a deeply relaxed, twilight state. Most patients have no memory of the procedure at all.

  • Best for: Severe anxiety, complex procedures, multiple treatments in one visit
  • Onset: Immediate
  • Recovery: Full day — you'll need someone to drive you and stay with you
  • Memory: Typically no memory of the procedure
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Special Needs

Accommodations & Care

For patients with autism, sensory processing differences, developmental disabilities, or PTSD, we provide accommodations that go beyond sedation alone.

  • Extended appointments so nothing feels rushed
  • Sensory-friendly options (dimmed lights, noise reduction)
  • Family-present care if it helps the patient feel safe
  • Pre-visit walkthroughs available on request
What to Expect

Your First Sedation Visit, Step by Step

We don't surprise you. We don't rush you. Here's exactly what your first sedation visit looks like.

Step 1 — Free Phone Consult

Before you ever come in, we talk. You tell us what you're nervous about, what's happened in the past, what procedures you might need. We listen, answer questions, and help you decide which sedation level fits.

Step 2 — Medical Review

We collect your medical history, current medications, and any past sedation experiences. Dr. Nivin personally reviews this before recommending an option. Safety always comes first.

Step 3 — The Visit

When you arrive, you're greeted by name. You go straight to a private treatment room — no extended waiting room sitting. Dr. Nivin walks you through what's about to happen before any sedation begins. You give consent every step of the way.

Step 4 — The Treatment

Sedation is administered. You relax. We monitor you continuously throughout the procedure — oxygen levels, heart rate, comfort. The treatment itself happens while you're calm and comfortable.

Step 5 — Recovery & Follow-Up

We don't send you out the door until we're certain you're safe to leave. We follow up the next day to check in. If anything feels off, you call us first — not an answering service.

Common Questions

Sedation Questions, Answered Honestly

Is sedation dentistry safe?

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Yes — when administered by a trained, certified provider in a properly equipped office. Dr. Nivin holds advanced sedation certifications and we monitor every sedated patient continuously throughout treatment. Sedation has been used in dentistry for decades and is one of the most studied, predictable methods of pain and anxiety management in the field.

Will I be unconscious?

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No — not unless you choose IV sedation specifically for deep effect. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you remain awake and responsive. You can answer questions, follow directions, and tell us if anything feels uncomfortable. You're simply much more relaxed than you would be otherwise.

How much does sedation cost?

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It varies by which sedation level you choose and what procedure is being done. Nitrous oxide is the most affordable and is often included with anxiety-related procedures. Oral and IV sedation are priced separately. We provide a clear written estimate before any treatment begins, and we work with most insurance plans plus CareCredit and in-house financing.

Is sedation covered by insurance?

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It depends on your plan and the medical necessity. Many plans cover sedation for patients with documented dental anxiety, special needs, or complex procedures. We verify your coverage before treatment and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs upfront.

Can my child have sedation?

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Yes — we offer pediatric sedation when appropriate. For children, we specifically offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate anxiety, and IV sedation for severe anxiety, special needs, or complex treatment needs. We'll talk with you about which option fits your child specifically.

I haven't been to a dentist in years. Where do I start?

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Right here. Just call us. There's no judgment, no lecture, and no expectation that you'll commit to anything on the first call. We'll talk through your concerns, explain what a first visit looks like, and let you decide at your pace. Many of our most loyal patients started exactly where you are right now.

Ready to Stop Putting It Off?

Take the first small step. Call us or send a request. We'll talk it through. No pressure, no judgment, no commitment.