Sedation Dentistry in Salt Lake City, UT
Calm, Comfortable Care for Every Visit
- Three sedation options for every comfort level
- A dentist who understands dental anxiety
- 30+ years of expertise
- Free virtual consult to start from home
Why Patients Choose
Dr. Thomas for Sedation Dentistry
Our practice is equipped to meet virtually any need, from checkups to complex restorative care to smile makeovers. If the only thing keeping you from the treatment you want or need is anxiety, we can accommodate you and provide an outcome that exceeds your expectations.
Dr. Thomas fractured his front tooth as a child and went through multiple difficult treatments before a skilled dentist transformed his confidence. That experience shapes how he approaches every nervous patient: calm, clear, and committed to making sure you feel heard.
The practice offers inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Your treatment coordinator matches the sedation type to your procedure, your comfort preferences, and your clinical needs.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is dental care delivered with the addition of medication that helps you stay relaxed, comfortable, and at ease during your appointment. Local anesthesia handles the physical numbing; sedation handles the emotional experience.
The right type of sedation depends on the procedure, the patient's comfort level, and relevant health factors. Sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. Most sedation dentistry keeps you conscious and able to respond, even if you remember very little of the visit afterward. The team monitors you throughout; afterward, you will need to arrange a ride home if you receive oral sedation or IV sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, and you can safely drive soon after your appointment.
Our Sedation Options
Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)
A light, fast-acting sedation delivered through a small mask placed over your nose. You stay awake and aware, just deeply relaxed. The effect wears off within minutes after the mask comes off, so you can drive yourself home and return to your day. Best suited for shorter visits and mild nervousness.
Oral Conscious
Sedation
A small pill taken before your appointment that produces deeper relaxation than nitrous oxide. You stay conscious enough to respond to the team, but most patients remember very little of the visit afterward. You should arrange a ride home from the appointment.
IV
Sedation
Medication administered through a small IV line for the deepest level of in-office sedation available at the practice. You stay conscious, but the medication produces a twilight state where time seems to pass quickly and most patients remember nothing of the procedure. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home. Designed for complex visits or patients who want the deepest comfort.
Who Benefits
From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation supports a wide range of needs:
- Patients with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist. From mild nerves to full dental phobia, sedation makes care possible.
- Patients with complex or multi-procedure visits. Combining several treatments into one sedated visit can be more efficient and less stressful than spreading them across appointments.
- Patients with a strong gag reflex. Sedation reduces the gag response and helps the team work without interruption.
- Patients who have avoided dental care for years. Sedation is often the path back for patients who stepped away because of a difficult past experience.
- Patients undergoing longer procedures. Restorations, multiple implants, or full smile transformations are easier on the patient with sedation.
What to Expect From Sedation
Day of Procedure
From your initial consultation to your fully restored smile, our sedation dentistry process is designed to keep you comfortable every step of the way.
Cost
& Financing
Sedation is an additional fee on top of the dental procedure itself. The exact fee depends on the type of sedation and the length of the visit.
Insurance
Some dental plans cover sedation for specific procedures. Our practice works with Delta Dental, Aetna, and Regence BCBS, and will help you understand what your plan covers.
Financing
Third-party financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit®, with low-interest and interest-free options depending on your credit profile.
Membership Plans
The practice offers in-house Membership Plans starting at $459 per year that include preventive care and discounts on other services. Sedation is not included in the membership, but the membership reduces the overall visit cost for sedated patients on broader care plans.
Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when administered by a trained dental team. Dr. Thomas and the team follow strict safety protocols, monitor patients throughout, and select the right sedation type for each patient's medical history.
Will I remember the procedure afterward?
With nitrous oxide, you will likely remember the visit clearly. With oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, most patients remember little or nothing.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, yes. After oral conscious sedation or IV sedation, no. Your designated driver takes you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most healthy adults are candidates. Your medical history, medications, and the type of procedure determine which sedation method is the right fit. Dr. Thomas evaluates each case before recommending a sedation type.
How much does sedation add to the cost of my visit?
Sedation is an additional fee on top of the procedure. The amount depends on the type of sedation and the length of the visit; your treatment coordinator explains the specifics before scheduling.
Is sedation covered by dental insurance?
Some dental plans cover sedation for specific procedures. The team will help you understand your coverage.
