Dental anxiety shouldn't stand between you and a healthy smile. Our team offers gentle, patient-centered sedation dentistry so every visit feels calm, safe, and worry-free.
Millions of Americans avoid the dentist every year — not because they don't care about their oral health, but because anxiety gets in the way. Whether it's the sounds, the sensations, or simply the fear of the unknown, dental phobia is very real. And it takes a real toll on your teeth and overall well-being.
At Pinnacle Dental, we believe everyone deserves a comfortable, stress-free dental experience. That's exactly why we offer a full range of sedation options, carefully tailored to each patient's level of comfort and the complexity of the procedure. From a simple cleaning to a more involved treatment like a root canal, we have a sedation solution that works for you.
Our approach isn't about putting you to sleep — it's about helping you feel at ease, stay present, and walk out of our office with a smile on your face. We also work closely with families, helping even the youngest patients have a positive experience. If you're curious about comprehensive care beyond sedation, explore our complete family dental services to see everything we offer under one roof.
Beyond simply reducing anxiety, dental sedation offers a wide range of practical benefits that make your visit more effective, efficient, and comfortable.
Feel genuinely calm throughout your appointment. No racing heart, no white-knuckled armrests — just a relaxed, comfortable experience from start to finish.
When you're relaxed, your dentist can work more efficiently. Multiple treatments can often be completed in a single visit, saving you time and future appointments.
A sensitive gag reflex can make dental work difficult. Sedation minimizes this response, allowing for thorough, uninterrupted treatment — especially for complex procedures.
Oral and IV sedation often produce a mild amnesic effect — meaning you may remember little to nothing of the procedure, which can be a huge relief for anxious patients.
Kids who struggle to sit still or feel scared at the dentist can benefit greatly from sedation, helping them receive the care they need in a safe, gentle environment.
Patients who experience comfortable visits are far more likely to keep up with regular check-ups — leading to better long-term oral health and fewer emergency procedures down the road.
We offer multiple types of dental sedation so that every patient — regardless of anxiety level or treatment needs — can find an option that feels right for them.
Often called "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It works quickly, wears off within minutes, and is completely safe for most patients — including children. You'll feel relaxed and slightly euphoric, yet fully conscious and able to communicate with your dentist throughout the procedure. It's ideal for mild anxiety or shorter treatments like cleanings and fillings.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill — typically a benzodiazepine — about an hour before your appointment. By the time you're in the chair, you'll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy, though still conscious. Many patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. You'll need a ride home, but the results are remarkably effective for moderate to significant dental anxiety.
Intravenous (IV) sedation is the most profound level of conscious sedation we offer. Medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream for an immediate, deeply relaxed state. IV sedation is ideal for extensive procedures, patients with severe anxiety, or those undergoing treatments like dental implants. Our team monitors you closely throughout to ensure your total safety and comfort.
Sedation dentistry isn't just for the most extreme cases of dental phobia. It's a practical and effective option for a wide variety of patients and situations. You might be a great candidate if you:
That's completely okay. During your consultation, Dr. Jang will review your medical history, discuss your anxiety level, and recommend the most appropriate and safest sedation option for your specific situation.
We want you to feel informed and confident before any treatment begins. There's no pressure — only personalized guidance designed around your comfort and well-being.
Note: Sedation may not be recommended for individuals with certain respiratory conditions, specific medications, or those who are pregnant. Your safety is always our top priority.
Request a Consultation Dr. Steve Jang graduated cum laude from Midwestern State University and earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio — ranked among the top dental programs in the world. He then pursued an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the VA in Temple, Texas, where he built high proficiency in IV sedation, oral sedation, implant placement, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation.
His philosophy is simple: every patient deserves compassionate, unhurried care — free from judgment and filled with reassurance. He takes time to understand your concerns before recommending any treatment, and he's passionate about helping anxious patients finally get the oral care they've been putting off.
You can learn more about Dr. Jang's background and training on our Meet the Doctors page.
We want you to know exactly what to expect so there are zero surprises on the day of your appointment. Here's how a typical sedation visit at Pinnacle Dental unfolds.
Before any sedation is scheduled, Dr. Jang meets with you to review your dental concerns, medical history, and anxiety triggers. This helps us identify the safest and most effective sedation option for you personally.
We'll give you clear, simple instructions to follow before your visit — such as fasting requirements for oral or IV sedation, arranging for a driver, and what to wear. Preparation ensures a smooth, safe experience.
On the day of your appointment, sedation is administered in the most comfortable, least intrusive way possible. Our team carefully monitors your vitals and comfort levels from the moment sedation begins.
Once you're fully relaxed, Dr. Jang performs your treatment with precision and care. Because you're at ease, the work often goes faster — and multiple procedures can sometimes be combined into one visit, especially useful if you're also considering teeth whitening or alignment work with Invisalign.
After your treatment, you'll rest comfortably while the sedation wears off. A trusted adult will need to drive you home if oral or IV sedation was used. We'll also provide aftercare guidance and schedule any follow-up visits needed.
The cost of dental sedation varies depending on the type used. Nitrous oxide is typically the most affordable option, while oral sedation is moderate in price and IV sedation tends to be higher. Many dental insurance plans may cover a portion of sedation when it's medically necessary. We recommend calling our office for a personalized estimate: (972) 801-2788.
Yes — when administered by a trained and certified dental professional, sedation dentistry is very safe. Dr. Jang is certified in both oral and IV sedation and monitors all vital signs throughout every procedure. We conduct a thorough health screening before any sedation is recommended to ensure it's appropriate for you.
No. Most forms of dental sedation — including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation — keep you in a state of conscious relaxation. You'll be able to hear and respond to your dentist, but you'll feel deeply calm and may have little memory of the procedure afterward. General anesthesia (full unconsciousness) is a different, separate option.
Sedation may not be appropriate for individuals with severe respiratory conditions, certain liver or kidney diseases, neurological disorders, or those who are pregnant. Patients taking specific medications may also need modifications. Dr. Jang reviews every patient's health profile to make the safest possible recommendation.
Yes. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is commonly and safely used for children who feel anxious at dental appointments. It's particularly helpful for young patients who need longer procedures or who have difficulty staying still. We discuss all options with parents in detail before proceeding.
Preparation depends on the type of sedation. For nitrous oxide, no special preparation is needed. For oral or IV sedation, you'll typically need to fast for several hours beforehand and arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home. We'll provide you with a complete checklist of instructions in advance.
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of removing the mask, and most patients can drive home afterward. Oral sedation effects can last several hours, and IV sedation may leave you groggy for the rest of the day. We always recommend having a driver and resting at home after moderate or deep sedation.
Absolutely. Sedation is frequently used during longer cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental implant placement, or full-mouth makeovers. Combining sedation with cosmetic dental work allows Dr. Jang to accomplish more in a single visit while you remain perfectly comfortable throughout.
Don't let anxiety hold you back from the dental care you deserve. Our team at Pinnacle Dental is here to listen, support, and create a comfortable experience tailored entirely to you.
