Sedation Dentistry in Tucson, AZ

Sedation can be a great solution if you:

• Experience dental phobia or high anxiety
• Struggle with a strong gag reflex
• Have difficulty staying still for extended periods
• Require multiple procedures in one visit
• Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Are undergoing a complex treatment such as oral surgery or full mouth reconstruction

Our experienced team—including Dr. Karley Schneider, Dr. Alyssa Holmes, and Dr. Alexander Ordoñez—offers a variety of sedation levels so you can remain relaxed and pain-free throughout your visit.

IV Sedation: Deeper Relaxation for Complex Needs

For those with severe anxiety or extensive treatment needs, we offer IV sedation, administered by a licensed sedation provider in a controlled, monitored environment. This form of sedation allows for precise dosing and takes effect almost immediately through an intravenous line.

With IV sedation, you’ll enter a sleep-like state. While technically conscious, most patients remember little to nothing from the procedure. Throughout your treatment, we monitor vital signs and adjust medication as needed to ensure your comfort and safety.

IV sedation is best suited for:

• Patients with significant dental fear
• Surgical or multiple-phase procedures
• Those who want a completely relaxed experience from start to finish

We’ll perform a full health review beforehand and coordinate your care to ensure that IV sedation is a safe and effective choice for you.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative delivered through a small mask placed over your nose. It works quickly, helping you feel calm and at ease within minutes. Nitrous wears off shortly after the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself home after your appointment.

This option is ideal for:

• Patients with mild anxiety
• Short or non-invasive procedures
• Children who need help relaxing during care

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your visit to help you feel deeply relaxed. You’ll remain awake but may feel drowsy and remember little about the procedure. Because the medication takes time to wear off, you’ll need a companion to drive you home.

Oral sedation is appropriate for:

• Moderate dental anxiety
• Longer procedures like dental implant placement
• Patients who want a more calming, low-awareness experience

Before your appointment, we’ll review your medical history and discuss your sedation preferences. Depending on the type of sedation:

• You may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand
• A companion may need to accompany you to and from the office
• We’ll provide detailed pre- and post-op instructions for a safe recovery

After the procedure, it’s normal to feel drowsy or experience mild grogginess, especially with oral or IV sedation. Our team will follow up to ensure your comfort as the effects wear off.

Yes. Sedation dentistry is highly regulated and safe when administered by trained professionals. At Ironwood Dental, we use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and follow strict safety protocols. We carefully screen every patient to determine the most appropriate and safe level of sedation.

We’ve successfully treated patients of all ages and medical backgrounds—many of whom previously avoided dental visits altogether.