The Henderson Dentist offers sedation dentistry so you can take the stress of out your dental visit.

Sedation Helps Relieve Anxiety

Sedation Dentist in Henderson, NV - Anxiety Free Dental Care

If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can help! Sedation dentistry keeps you comfortable during dental procedures. It's beneficial for people with dental anxiety or for those who are undergoing lengthy treatment.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry

People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. The Henderson Dentist often recommends this option for patients with:

Dental anxiety

A fear of visiting the dentist

An overly sensitive gag reflex

A fear of needles

Extreme teeth sensitivity

Feelings of claustrophobia while in the dental chair

Difficulty controlling movements

Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia

Special needs (including physical, cognitive and/or behavioral).

Methods of Sedation Dentistry

There are several methods of sedation dentistry available:

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas", is a common form of dental sedation. We place a small, comfortable mask over your nose, and you inhale the nitrous throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide helps with mild to moderate dental anxiety and provides a feeling of calm and relaxation. At the end of your procedure nitrous oxide is flushed out of your system with pure oxygen allowing you to go back to your usual activities immediately after your dental appointment. You will be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is used for mild to moderate dental anxiety. We will prescribe a sedative that you should take approximately an hour before your appointment. Oral sedation leaves you feeling very relaxed, and you may not remember much or any of the procedure itself. You will need a friend or family member to drive you safely to and from your appointment, as the sedative takes several hours to wear off.
Intravenous or IV sedation consists of a sedative administered directly into your bloodstream, and you will feel the effects immediately. We at The Henderson Dentist use a registered Dental Anesthesiologist that is trained specifically for dental procedures. You may feel like you slept through your appointment or don't remember much of what happened. IV sedation stays in your system for several hours, so you will need a designated driver as it is normal to feel drowsy and groggy afterward.

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation dentistry offers several benefits:

Allows anxious patients to receive the important dental care they need
Helps your dentist complete your dental work in fewer visits
Relieves your anxiety and leaves you relaxed after your procedure

Comfort Options for Mild Dental Anxiety

Not every patient requires medication-based sedation. For those with mild dental anxiety or who simply benefit from extra comfort, we offer additional non-medication support options—including the presence of our certified therapy dog, Mocha, available by request.

Mocha provides calm, emotional support and helps many patients feel more relaxed during their visit. She is not a replacement for sedation but can be a wonderful comfort option for appropriate appointments when scheduled in advance.

Please note: Mocha is not hypoallergenic and is only present when requested and scheduled ahead of time.

If you are interested in sedation dentistry or have questions or concerns, please contact our dental office for more information. We will be happy to help you decide what's right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you treat patients with dental anxiety?

Absolutely. We completely understand that the dentist can make some people nervous — and we’re here to change that. Our team is kind, patient, and trained to help you feel calm every step of the way. We use gentle numbing techniques, offer cozy comforts, and always move at your pace.

We also offer several options to make your visit even more comfortable — including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), prescription anti-anxiety medication, and, for those who prefer to be completely asleep, we partner with a licensed dental anesthesiologist for in-office sedation.

Your comfort plan is always customized to your needs. Come see us to talk about which option is right for you — we’ll make sure your experience is as easy and stress-free as possible.

Is Mocha a trained therapy dog?

Yes! Mocha is a certified therapy dog who has completed specialized training to support patients emotionally and help reduce dental anxiety.

Can Mocha be with me during my appointment?

Absolutely. If you’d like Mocha by your side—during the exam, cleaning, or even a procedure—just request her when scheduling, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Is Mocha good with kids?

Yes. Mocha is extremely gentle and friendly with children of all ages. Many kids feel more comfortable and confident with her nearby.

Is Mocha hypoallergenic?

No, Mocha is not hypoallergenic. If you have dog allergies or sensitivities, please let us know before your visit so we can make arrangements for a comfortable, allergy-safe experience.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Brittany Wilson

Dr. Wilson, a Colorado native, received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and her doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her desire to move back west brought her to Nevada for her residency program. Dr. Wilson has been in practice for over a decade and is highly trained in dental implants as well as a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She is certified in BOTOX® and PRF injections which have both lasting skin and mouth benefits. With her constant desire to learn safe and cutting-edge techniques, she ...