Dental anxiety isn't a personality flaw. It's not something to feel embarrassed about. And it's definitely not a reason to keep putting off care that you know you need. A lot of our patients come to Summit Ridge after years — sometimes decades — of avoiding the dentist. Some had a painful experience early on and never forgot it. Some feel claustrophobic in the chair. Some just tense up the moment they smell that particular dental office smell. Whatever's kept you away, we've heard it before, and we take it seriously. That's exactly why sedation dentistry is a core part of what we do here — not an upsell, not a specialty service we outsource, but something Drs. Chen, Webb, and Nair are trained in and routinely offer to patients who need it. The goal is simple: get you the care you need without the experience you've been dreading. Sedation isn't just for major procedures, either. Some patients use it for a routine cleaning. Some use it for a crown. Some use it because they've had a bad experience and want a reset. There's no threshold of anxiety you have to meet before it's "worth it." If it would help you show up — and actually feel okay while you're here — that's enough reason. We'll always talk through your options before anything else. No pressure. No judgment. Just a real conversation about what would make you most comfortable.
Sedation done right isn't just about helping you relax — it's about making sure you're cared for at every step. At Summit Ridge, all sedation is administered by trained and credentialed providers, and your vitals are monitored throughout your appointment. We don't take shortcuts here. Before any sedation is recommended, we'll review your health history, current medications, and the procedure ahead. The goal is to find the option that's both effective for your comfort level and appropriate for your individual situation. You'll also never be navigating recovery alone. We'll go over exactly what to expect — before, during, and after — and we follow up after every procedure, sedation or not. That follow-up call isn't a formality. It's part of how we do things.
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when performed by a trained and experienced dental professional. We carefully monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
At Summit Ridge Dental, we offer a range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (pills), and IV sedation. The right choice for you will depend on your level of anxiety and the procedure being performed.
It depends on the type of sedation used. With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, you’ll likely be awake but deeply relaxed. With IV sedation, you may be in a light sleep, but you’ll still be able to respond to instructions.
The duration of sedation varies depending on the type. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the mask is removed, while oral and IV sedation may take a few hours to fully wear off.
"Dr. Chen and her team are absolutely incredible. I've been to a lot of dentists over the years, but Summit Ridge is the first place where I actually feel like they know me. The front desk remembered my daughter's soccer tournament from our last visit. Life-changing experience — I can't recommend them enough."
