Feel Relaxed During Dental Care
Choose between nitrous oxide or oral sedation to help you relax throughout your procedure. Don’t let nerves get in the way of the care you so desperately need!
Looking for a new dentist in Gilbert, AZ? Call Riggs Family Dental today and see what general dentistry service we can help you with. We’re open early and on Saturdays. So, get in touch soon!
Sedation Dentistry With Dr. Carlos Lopez
Dental anxiety is incredibly common—but it shouldn't keep you from getting the care you need. At Riggs Family Dental, Dr. Carlos Lopez offers sedation dentistry options to help patients feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout their dental treatments. Whether you’re nervous about a procedure or simply want a more comfortable experience, sedation dentistry may be the solution.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients remain in a deeply relaxed state—or even sleep—during dental procedures. It can also produce mild amnesia, so even if you're awake during treatment, you may not remember much afterward. This makes it easier for those with dental fear or anxiety to receive the care they need without added stress.
Sedation Options We Offer
At our Gilbert, AZ dental office, we provide two safe and effective sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is an inhaled anxiolytic agent, meaning it reduces anxiety and helps you feel more relaxed during treatment. While it doesn't technically cause sleep, many patients feel calm and less aware of the sights and sounds of dental care—sometimes even drifting off naturally.
- Fast-acting and quickly eliminated by your body
- You can drive yourself home after your appointment
- No lingering grogginess
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription sedative pill before your appointment. It creates a deeper state of relaxation and may cause you to fall asleep or have limited memory of the procedure.
- Ideal for more involved procedures or high anxiety
- Requires a responsible adult to drive you to and from your visit
- Dr. Carlos Lopez is trained and certified to administer oral sedation safely
Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who:
- Experience anxiety or fear related to dental visits
- Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthetic
- Need multiple or lengthy procedures in a single visit
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Struggle with mental or physical conditions that make sitting still difficult
Important note: Not everyone is a candidate for sedation dentistry. Your full medical history, including medications and health conditions, must be reviewed prior to sedation to ensure your safety.
Safety First What You Should Know
Because sedation affects your entire body—particularly your breathing—it’s critical that you disclose your complete health history to Dr. Carlos Lopez. Certain conditions or medications can alter the effects of sedation or pose risks, including:
- Breathing problems (e.g., COPD, asthma)
- Drug interactions with prescribed sedatives
- History of opioid or benzodiazepine use
We take every precaution to ensure that sedation dentistry is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your specific needs.
Comfortable Dental Visits Start Here
If you've been putting off dental treatment due to fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry may be your path to stress-free wellness. Let Dr. Carlos Lopez and our compassionate team at Riggs Family Dental help you enjoy a calmer, more relaxed dental experience.