We offer all levels of sedation, from minimal to general anesthesia, for utmost comfort and relaxation

My Time Dental Centers is your “home” for gentle, relaxed, and unhurried dentistry. Led by Dr. Jeffrey Schmelter, our team respects your time. And while you are here, you (and your family) deserve to have the most comfortable and pleasant experience at our office in Mesa, Arizona. 

One of the ways that we support this optimal and stress-free experience is with dental sedation. Sedation dentistry at our practice is safe and appropriate for patients with varying levels of dental apprehension and anxiety. 

Many dental practices are only equipped to offer “minimal sedation.” Typically, a patient will wear a small mask over their nose, through which relaxing nitrous oxide gas is delivered. Oxygen produces a neutralizing effect and adjustments can be made quickly, so relaxation is induced as rapidly as it wears off. Patients appreciate that they do not need to arrange transportation to and from their appointment, because “laughing gas” does not cause lingering drowsiness. 

My Time Dental Centers offers this form of minimal sedation, in which the patient remains conscious throughout the procedure. However, we have also gone above and beyond with training and safeguards to predictably provide deeper levels of sedation.

These calming options include: 

• Moderate Sedation – Also known as “conscious sedation,” patients have a depressed level of consciousness. They may fall asleep but essentially respond to verbal commands and light touch. Typically, patients have little to no recall of the appointment afterward. Prescription oral medications, taken by mouth, can induce both moderate and minimal levels of sedation (depending on the prescribed dosage).
• Deep Sedation – This option induces a deeper level of relaxation. Patients can still respond to stimuli, but verbal commands may have to be repeated. It can take a while for the effects to wear off. So, patients must arrange for someone to bring them to our office and pick them up afterward. Again, there will be little to no recall of the procedure later. It may be appropriate for patients undergoing long or complex treatments, for instance, oral surgery. 
• General Anesthesia – The deepest level of sedation dentistry, available only to those practices with extensive in-house training and capabilities, patients remain entirely unconscious throughout treatment. Our professionals monitor respiration and cardiovascular function throughout the process. 

Deeper levels of sedation are most commonly administered intravenously, with a calming medication delivered via an IV in the arm or hand.  

At My Time Dental Centers, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about ways to stay comfortable and relaxed throughout treatment. Call us at (623) 777-6456. We look forward to hearing from you!

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