If anxiety has kept you from the dentist, you’re far from alone. Many of our Anderson patients come to us after struggling with fear, negative childhood experiences, or a sensitive gag reflex that makes dental visits overwhelming. Some haven’t had treatment in years and feel embarrassed or unsure of what to expect.
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we specialize in caring for these patients. Our approach is patient-first, supportive, and centered around your emotional comfort—not just your teeth. We take the time to understand your concerns, adjust our pace to match your needs, and offer private treatment rooms that help create a sense of calm. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel seen, heard, and fully supported.
Sedation dentistry isn’t the same everywhere. Experience, training, and technique matter, especially when working with anxious or medically sensitive patients. Our doctors have advanced training in oral sedation, nitrous oxide administration, airway monitoring, and post-sedation safety protocols.
We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we take time to understand your dental history, your level of anxiety, and your preferred level of awareness before recommending an option.
Patients trust our sedation care because we offer:
- 300+ sedation-assisted appointments annually
- Highly trained doctors (including DOCS-trained providers, if applicable)
- Modern monitoring equipment for safety and comfort
- Private treatment rooms for a calming experience
- Clear pre- and post-sedation instructions
- A judgment-free environment focused on emotional support
With the right guidance and sedation option, even the most anxious patients are able to complete their treatment comfortably—and many tell us it’s the easiest dental visit they’ve ever had.
Our Sedation Options
Every patient’s level of comfort is different, so we offer multiple options to meet your needs.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. You’ll take a prescribed pill before your appointment that helps you feel deeply relaxed. Many patients describe the experience as quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly quick.
You remain conscious enough to respond to instructions, but most people remember very little of the procedure afterward. Because the effects are longer-lasting, you will need a companion to drive you home.
Best for:
- Strong fear of dental visits
- Patients who need multiple treatments in one appointment
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- Sensitive gag reflexes
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a light, fast-acting sedation option that reduces anxiety without putting you to sleep. You simply breathe through a small mask, and within minutes you’ll feel calm and at ease. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off so quickly that most patients can drive themselves home.
Best for:
- Mild anxiety
- Patients needing shorter appointments
- Kids or adults who want a gentle relaxation aid
- Anyone who prefers a sedation option that wears off quickly
What Your Visit Will Look Like (Step-by-Step)
This is one of the most important sections for patients researching sedation, and it’s a favorite for those who want to understand exactly what to expect.
1. Consultation & Anxiety Assessment
Your visit starts with a conversation—not a procedure. We talk about your fears, what triggers your anxiety, your medical history, and the goals you want to accomplish. Many patients say this discussion alone helps them feel relieved and more in control.
2. Personalized Sedation Plan
We choose the right level of sedation based on your comfort, health history, and planned procedures. You’ll know:
- What you’ll feel
- How long it lasts
- Whether you need a driver
- What to do before your appointment
- What recovery looks like
We explain everything step-by-step so nothing catches you by surprise.
3. Day of Your Appointment
When you arrive, we review your sedation plan and answer any last-minute questions. During the procedure, our team monitors your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate using modern monitoring equipment. You’ll remain supervised by trained staff throughout the entire visit.
4. Comfort-Focused Treatment
Sedation allows us to work efficiently while keeping you relaxed. Many patients choose to complete multiple treatments in a single visit because they feel so comfortable.
5. Recovery & Post-Care Guidance
After your appointment, we help you transition safely into recovery. If you’ve had oral sedation, your companion will take you home. For nitrous oxide, you may return to normal activities shortly after. We review aftercare steps and ensure you feel ready before you leave.
Real Patient Experiences
Many of our patients once believed they could never sit through a dental appointment. Today, they smile with confidence and stay consistent with their care.
Great experience with Dr. Wilson! First time having a full exam and cleaning in many years. The staff was really friendly and helped calm my nerves. From the front desk, dental assistant, dentist, to the dental hygienist, literally everyone was incredibly, genuinely nice. Everyone I spoke with about my anxiety around the dentist recommended Cornerstone and they were spot on! I have had two troublesome teeth for many years now that I have an appointment to fix. They offered different sedation options for the procedure. I will update after the procedure! 100% would recommend!
— Jessica White
I went in a few weeks ago to discuss dental work needing done. I am extremely anxious while at the dentist so we discussed conscious sedation. Set an appointment up for the sedation for a few fillings and to pull a tooth. The experience all around was wonderful. They answered any question I had and made sure I was good during the whole procedure. I found a dental office I finally found comfortable at and will always recommend them to my peers.
— Hannah Floyd
I drove an hour and a half to see Dr Hardy because I had moved out of town He is the best dentist and is always honest; takes his time to truly understand what your dental needs and never does unnecessary work. But if you do, he has sedation options. He’s the best!
— Marla Fair
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is extremely safe when administered by trained professionals. Our team follows strict monitoring protocols during every appointment and carefully adjusts sedation levels based on:
- Your medical history
- Current medications
- Anxiety levels
- Length of treatment
We use modern monitoring equipment and stay with you throughout the entire process. Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation may be right for you if you:
- Have anxiety or fear related to dental visits
- Experience panic or difficulty breathing in the dental chair
- Have a strong or sensitive gag reflex
- Need multiple procedures in one visit
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past
- Struggle with sitting still due to medical or neurological conditions
- Avoid treatment due to fear or embarrassment
- Feel overwhelmed by dental sounds, sensations, or smells
If any of these sound familiar, sedation can help make your visits easier and more manageable.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Will I be awake?
Most patients remain awake but deeply relaxed. You may not remember the appointment afterward.
Will I feel anything?
You remain comfortable, and most procedures feel significantly easier.
Do I need someone to drive me?
For oral conscious sedation, yes. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly and usually allows you to drive yourself.
How long do the effects last?
It depends on your sedation choice. Nitrous wears off in minutes; oral sedation may last several hours.
Is sedation covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. We’ll review your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs upfront.
Can sedation help with a strong gag reflex?
Yes. Sedation is highly effective for reducing gag reflex sensitivity.
Schedule a Stress-Free Dental Visit in Anderson, SC
If fear has kept you from getting the care you need, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call us or request an appointment to learn whether sedation dentistry is right for you. A calm, comfortable dental experience is closer than you think.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with your Anderson dental team, give us a call at (864) 222-9001 or request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you!
