Overcome Your Dental Anxiety
If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race, you're in good company. Studies show that 36% of Americans have dental anxiety, and approximately 12% have an extreme fear that qualifies as a phobia. At Aloha Dental Implant & Surgical Center in Hillsboro, Dr. Ostovar provides sedation dentistry to help you get the treatment you need in total comfort.
Dental anxiety is a real condition—not something to be embarrassed about. Whether you've had a traumatic dental experience in the past, are embarrassed about the current condition of your teeth, have a strong gag reflex, or simply feel nervous in the dental chair, sedation dentistry can help you receive care without distress.
💭 From Dr. Ostovar
"I've seen how dental anxiety can cause patients to avoid care for years, leading to more serious problems. Sedation dentistry has transformed the lives of many of my anxious patients. Once they experience how comfortable treatment can be, they no longer dread their appointments."
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation isn't just for anxious patients. It can help anyone who wants a more comfortable dental experience or has conditions that make traditional treatment difficult:
🤝 A Judgment-Free Zone
We never lecture or criticize. No matter how long it's been since your last visit or what condition your teeth are in, we're simply here to help you get healthy. Your comfort and wellbeing come first—always.
Nitrous Oxide vs. Oral Sedation: Which Is Right for You?
Both sedation options are safe and effective, but they work differently and are suited for different situations:
| Feature | Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Level | Mild to Moderate | Moderate to Severe |
| How Administered | Inhaled through mask | Pill taken 1 hour before |
| Time to Take Effect | 2-3 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Level of Consciousness | Fully aware | Drowsy, may doze |
| Memory of Procedure | Full memory | Little to none |
| Adjustable During Treatment | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Recovery Time | Minutes | Several hours |
| Can Drive Home | ✓ Yes | ✗ Needs driver |
| Safe for Children | ✓ Yes | Case-by-case |
What to Expect: Your Sedation Dentistry Visit
Step 1: Consultation & Medical Review
We'll discuss your anxiety concerns and medical history in detail. Dr. Ostovar will recommend the most appropriate sedation option based on your health, anxiety level, and the procedures you need.
Step 2: Pre-Appointment Instructions
For oral sedation, you'll receive a prescription to fill beforehand. We'll provide specific instructions about eating, drinking, and medications. You'll need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you.
Step 3: Arrival & Sedation
For nitrous oxide, we'll place the mask and you'll feel effects within minutes. For oral sedation, take the pill as directed before arrival—you'll already be relaxed when you get here.
Step 4: Your Procedure
While you're deeply relaxed, Dr. Ostovar performs your treatment. We monitor your vital signs continuously—heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—throughout the entire procedure.
Step 5: Recovery & Aftercare
Nitrous oxide wears off in minutes—you can drive home immediately. With oral sedation, your driver will take you home to rest for the remainder of the day. We'll follow up to ensure you're recovering well.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Dental sedation has an excellent safety record when administered by a trained professional. At Aloha Dental Implant & Surgical Center, your safety is our top priority.
🛡️ Our Safety Protocols
- Comprehensive medical review — We evaluate your complete health history, current medications, and any conditions that may affect sedation
- Continuous vital sign monitoring — We track your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration throughout your procedure
- Emergency equipment on-site — Our office is equipped with emergency medications and reversal agents
- Post-procedure monitoring — You won't leave until we're confident you're recovering normally
- Detailed aftercare instructions — Written instructions for you and your driver to follow
Millions of patients receive dental sedation safely every year. For most healthy adults and children, the risks are minimal. However, certain conditions may require special considerations or make sedation inadvisable. During your consultation, we'll thoroughly review your medical history to ensure sedation is appropriate for you.
Common Procedures with Sedation
While sedation can be used for any dental procedure, it's particularly helpful for:
- Dental implant placement — Longer procedures benefit from deeper relaxation
- Wisdom tooth extraction — Surgical procedures are more comfortable with sedation
- Root canal therapy — Overcome anxiety about this often-misunderstood procedure
- Multiple fillings or crowns — Complete several restorations in one comfortable visit
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) — Periodontal treatment made comfortable
- Full mouth reconstruction — Extensive treatment completed in fewer visits
Sedation Dentistry Cost & Insurance
The cost of sedation varies depending on the type and duration:
- Nitrous oxide — Typically $50-$100 per appointment
- Oral conscious sedation — Varies based on medication and procedure length
Many dental insurance plans cover sedation for certain procedures, particularly surgical treatments. We'll verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before your appointment. For uninsured patients, we offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit to make sedation accessible to everyone who needs it.