Dental anxiety can range from mild uneasiness to extreme fear, often causing individuals to delay or completely avoid dental visits. Over time, this avoidance can lead to serious oral health issues such as gum disease, cavities, infections, and even tooth loss. What many don’t realize is that anxiety can become a vicious cycle—the longer you put off dental care, the more extensive (and intimidating) the treatment may become.

At HILL DENTISTRY, we break this cycle with compassionate care and personalized sedation dentistry, allowing you to regain control of your oral health without fear.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The goal isn’t necessarily to put you to sleep (unless using deeper sedation) but to ease your mind and body so you can receive the treatment you need in a stress-free state. Sedation can be used for everything from a routine cleaning to more complex dental surgery.

We offer several levels of sedation to meet the unique needs of each patient:

Types of Sedation

1. Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. You’ll be awake and able to respond to instructions, but you’ll feel extremely relaxed and may not remember much of the procedure afterward. You will need someone to drive you home.
2. IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation): For patients with severe dental phobia or those undergoing lengthy procedures, IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation. The medication is administered through a vein, and its effects begin quickly. You may feel like you’re in a dream-like state or sleep through the entire procedure. Continuous monitoring is provided for safety.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients. It’s especially ideal for those who:

• Have high levels of dental anxiety or phobia
• Had negative experiences with dental care in the past
• Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthetics
• Are extremely sensitive to painHave a strong gag reflex`
• Struggle with sitting still for long periods
• Require multiple treatments in a single visit

During your initial consultation at HILL DENTISTRY, we’ll assess your medical history, anxiety level, and dental needs to determine the safest and most effective sedation option for you.

Safety is Our Top Priority

Our sedation options are administered and monitored by experienced dental professionals in a controlled, and fully equipped environment. We follow strict safety protocols, including pre-procedure assessments and continuous monitoring of your vital signs during treatment.

Your comfort is our focus—but so is your safety. We take both seriously.

Beyond Fear: The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is more than just a comfort measure—it can significantly improve your overall dental experience. Here’s how:

• Reduced Anxiety: Feel calm and at ease before, during, and after treatment.
• Pain-Free Experience: Minimizes physical discomfort, even for extensive procedures.
• Efficiency: Longer or multiple procedures can be completed in a single visit.
• No More Avoidance: Patients are more likely to maintain regular check-ups and preventive care.

Imagine walking into your dental appointment without fear—and leaving with a healthier smile and peace of mind. That’s the power of sedation dentistry at HILL DENTISTRY.

Begin Your Journey Toward Fear-Free Dentistry

If you or a loved one has been avoiding the dentist due to fear, it’s time to consider a better way. At HILL DENTISTRY in Oregon, our gentle and personalized approach to sedation dentistry helps even the most anxious patients take charge of their dental health—comfortably and confidently.