Sedation Dentistry — Nitrous, Oral & IV Sedation
Gentle sedation options so you can relax through any dental procedure. Dr. Gailey holds IV sedation certification — most general dentists do not.
Overview
Anxiety-Free Dental Care
If fear of the dentist has kept you from getting the care you need, you're not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of adults, and it's one of the most common reasons people delay treatment until a small problem becomes a painful, expensive one. At Gateway Family Dentistry, we believe no one should suffer because of anxiety — and with the right sedation, no one has to.
We offer three levels of sedation to match your comfort needs: nitrous oxide for mild relaxation, oral sedation for moderate anxiety, and IV sedation for patients who need a deeper level of calm. Dr. Gailey will work with you to find the right option based on your anxiety level, the procedure you need, and your medical history.
What sets our practice apart is Dr. Gailey's IV sedation certification. Most general dentists are only trained to offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation. IV sedation requires advanced training and permits that few general practitioners hold. This means you can receive deeper sedation right here in our office — no referral to a hospital or surgical center needed.
Sedation dentistry isn't just for anxious patients. It's also ideal for anyone undergoing lengthy procedures, patients with a strong gag reflex, individuals with special needs, and parents who want their children to have a calm, positive dental experience.
Watch
See It in Action
Benefits
Why Choose This Treatment
Overcome Anxiety
Feel calm and relaxed throughout your entire visit, even if you've avoided the dentist for years due to fear.
More Done in One Visit
Sedation allows us to complete more treatment in a single appointment, reducing the number of visits you need.
Safe & Monitored
Your vital signs are continuously monitored by our trained team throughout every sedated procedure.
Little to No Memory
With oral and IV sedation, most patients remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward.
Reduces Gag Reflex
Sedation helps suppress the gag reflex, making treatment more comfortable for both you and the dental team.
Great for All Ages
We offer sedation options appropriate for adults, children, and patients with special needs.
Process
What to Expect
Consultation
Discuss your anxiety level, medical history, and the procedure you need. Dr. Gailey will recommend the sedation option that's the best fit for you.
Pre-Appointment Instructions
Depending on the type of sedation, you may need to fast beforehand or arrange for someone to drive you. We'll provide clear, detailed instructions.
Sedation & Treatment
Your sedation is administered and your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. You'll feel relaxed and comfortable the entire time.
Recovery
After your procedure, we'll monitor you until you're ready to go home. Recovery time varies by sedation type — nitrous wears off in minutes, while oral and IV sedation may take a few hours.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Within minutes, you'll feel relaxed, warm, and at ease — but you remain fully awake and able to respond to Dr. Gailey throughout the procedure.
One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it wears off. Once the mask is removed, the effects dissipate within minutes. You can drive yourself home and return to your normal activities right away. It's an excellent option for patients with mild anxiety or those who want to take the edge off without heavier sedation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription medication before your appointment — usually about an hour beforehand. By the time you sit down in the chair, you'll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. You'll still be able to respond to verbal cues, but many patients feel so comfortable that time seems to fly by.
Oral sedation is a great middle ground between nitrous oxide and IV sedation. It provides a deeper level of relaxation without the need for an IV line. Because the medication takes time to wear off, you'll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for a few hours afterward.
IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line, allowing Dr. Gailey to adjust your sedation level in real time for maximum comfort. You'll enter a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state and most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
This is our deepest sedation option and is ideal for patients with severe dental phobia, those undergoing complex or lengthy procedures like implant placement or oral surgery, and anyone who wants to be as comfortable as possible. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the entire procedure.
IV sedation certification requires advanced training beyond dental school, and Dr. Gailey is one of the few general dentists in the Chandler area who holds this credential. This means you don't need a referral to a hospital or surgical center for procedures that benefit from deeper sedation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Call 480-857-0745 or email info@gatewayfamilydentistry.com for more information.
Related
Related Services
Don't Let Anxiety Hold You Back
Call 480-857-0745 to discuss sedation options and schedule a stress-free visit at Gateway Family Dentistry.