Sedation Dentistry

For some patients, acute dental anxiety can keep them away from the dentist for years at a time. Knowing this, Dr. Miller and his team take their patient’s comfort very seriously. We have incorporated conscious IV sedation as a method to help eliminate this anxiety.

With the current advances in modern dental treatment techniques and technology, there is no reason to fear the dentist or avoid necessary cleanings. Conscious IV sedation allows you to have your dental work done in the utmost comfort. As opposed to general sedation, in which you are completely unconscious, conscious sedation allows you to remain conscious but places you in a state of deep relaxation. You are still able to communicate with the doctor but will remember little or nothing of the appointment. Many dentists offer “sleep dentistry” where you take a pill in an effort to try to attain the correct level of conscious sedation. We prefer to offer the safer and more reliable alternative of IV conscious sedation, where the dose can be adjusted throughout the appointment. Adjusting the dose cannot be accomplished easily with oral sedation. Another advantage to IV sedation is that we also have a reversal agent on hand and can have you back to a normal state of consciousness within minutes if necessary. Our patients are expertly monitored throughout their entire procedure. Our dentist in Hillsboro has all the required certifications and more to provide this type of sedation dentistry to patients. Additionally, our team has training in conscious IV sedation and advanced cardiac life support.

We understand that your fears may have kept you from the dentist, but there is no need to feel embarrassed. We are not here to judge you; we are here to help you and encourage you so that you can have the confidence a beautiful smile can bring.

Sedation dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:

  • Have high anxiety about dental visits
  • Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
  • Have difficulty getting numb
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
  • Are afraid of needles
  • Have sensitive teeth
  • Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
  • Simply do not have the time for multiple visits
  • Have lengthy appointments