Sedation Dentistry


Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

  • A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
  • A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
  • A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics


What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

  • No memory of undergoing the procedure
  • No sense of time while under sedation
  • No sense of smell or sound
  • No fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.


I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?

There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times.

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

  • Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
  • Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
  • Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure. It is recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
  • 

How are sedatives administered?

  • Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
  • Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.


The place looks nice and neat. The front desk ladies are so sweet and never fail to welcome me with a smile. Mollie took care of my deep cleaning. She was very gentle and always explaining what's she's doing beforehand. I really appreciate her and the staff. Thank you for taking good care of me ❤

I've been to a lot of dentists in my lifetime and this is the best experience I have ever had!! My dental work is perfect! Never any pain! Kind, caring and gentle staff! I drive all the way from Spokane for my appointments and am always excited to come here and see everyone!!

Excellent service! Super impressed by the professionalism and thorough work ethic of the staff members. I would recommend this outstanding experience to anyone truly seeking a family-like environment! Thanks for taking care of me and my family. Wink, wink.

This is the best Dental office in the whole of Washington state, no doubt. Dr. Mark Walker is a field Marshall in Dental technology in the USA. Thank you Mark for restoring all my teeth so that I can smile again. God send you to help me. God bless you and your family and all your workers.

Schedule Your Dental Appointment in Kent, WA


Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Call 253-802-7498 or click here to establish your appointment with our 5-star dentists today!


As one of the legacy dental practices in Kent, WA, with over 30 years of experience, Meridian Dental Clinic provides 5-star-rated dental care to patients in Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Cascade-Fairwood, East Hill-Meridian, Maple Heights-Lake Desire, Shadow Lake, Covington, Lakeland North, & Auburn.

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