Sedation Dentistry in Las Vegas and Summerlin

Q1. What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It ranges from mild relaxation where you remain fully awake and aware, to moderate sedation where you are deeply relaxed and may not remember the procedure, to deep sedation where you feel as though you slept through the entire appointment. Sedation dentistry is sometimes called ‘sleep dentistry,’ though most forms do not actually put you to sleep. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan offers three levels of sedation to match your specific anxiety level, the complexity of your procedure, and your medical history. The goal is always the same: to ensure you are completely comfortable so you can receive the dental care you need without fear or distress.

Q2. What types of sedation does Summerlin Dental Solutions offer?

Summerlin Dental Solutions offers three levels of sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the mildest option. It is inhaled through a small mask over your nose, takes effect within minutes, produces a pleasant sense of calm and lightness, and wears off almost immediately after the mask is removed, meaning you can drive yourself home after your appointment. Oral sedation is the next level. You take a prescribed sedative medication (typically a benzodiazepine) about an hour before your appointment. By the time you are seated in the treatment chair, you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. You remain conscious enough to respond to Dr. Cohan’s instructions, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. IV sedation provides the deepest level of comfort. Medication is administered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line, allowing Dr. Cohan to adjust the sedation level in real time throughout the procedure. Most patients under IV sedation have no memory of the appointment at all. Both oral and IV sedation require a companion to drive you to and from the office.

Q3. Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes. When administered by a trained and experienced dentist following established medical protocols, sedation dentistry has an excellent safety record. Dr. Cohan has more than 31 years of clinical experience, has administered sedation for thousands of procedures, and follows strict safety protocols including a thorough medical history review before recommending any sedation type, continuous monitoring of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation) throughout the procedure, having emergency medications and resuscitation equipment immediately available, and following all state and federal regulations governing sedation administration in dental offices. Certain medical conditions, medications, and health factors may influence which sedation type is appropriate for you, which is why Dr. Cohan evaluates each patient individually during the consultation. She will never recommend a sedation level that is not appropriate for your specific health profile.

Q4. Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is appropriate for a wide range of patients, not just those with severe phobias. Good candidates include patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or dental phobia, patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past, patients with a strong gag reflex that makes dental work uncomfortable, patients who need multiple procedures completed in a single visit, patients who have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone, patients with physical conditions that make it hard to sit still for extended periods, patients undergoing complex or lengthy procedures such as dental implant placement, full-mouth reconstruction, or multiple extractions, and patients who simply want a more comfortable, relaxed dental experience. Dr. Cohan discusses sedation options with every patient and never pressures anyone toward or away from any level. The decision is always yours.

Q5. How much does sedation dentistry cost in Las Vegas?

The cost of sedation depends on the type used and the length of the procedure. Nitrous oxide typically adds $50 to $150 to the cost of a dental visit and is often the most affordable sedation option. Oral sedation usually costs between $150 and $400 depending on the medication and dosage required. IV sedation is the most comprehensive option and generally ranges from $300 to $800 depending on the duration of the procedure and the complexity of monitoring required. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of sedation costs, particularly when sedation is considered medically necessary (for patients with documented dental phobia, certain medical conditions, or complex procedures). At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our team verifies your insurance benefits and provides a clear cost estimate before your appointment. 0% interest financing through HFD is available for any out-of-pocket costs, with approval in under a minute and no credit impact.

Q6. Will I be unconscious during sedation dentistry?

With nitrous oxide, you will be fully awake and aware, just pleasantly relaxed. With oral sedation, you will be conscious but deeply drowsy, able to respond to verbal cues but unlikely to remember much of the procedure afterward. With IV sedation, you will be in a state of deep relaxation that feels like sleep. While you are technically not unconscious in the way general anesthesia produces unconsciousness, most IV sedation patients report feeling as though they were asleep and have no memory of the procedure. The important distinction is that with all three levels of sedation at Summerlin Dental Solutions, you continue to breathe independently and respond to verbal cues. General anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious and requires intubation, is not performed in our office and is rarely necessary for dental procedures.

Q7. Can I drive home after sedation dentistry?

It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of removing the mask, and patients can safely drive themselves home after their appointment. This is one of the key advantages of nitrous oxide for patients who need to return to work or other activities after their visit. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to the office and take you home afterward. The sedative effects can linger for several hours after the procedure, and you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. Most patients who receive oral or IV sedation report feeling relaxed and sleepy for the remainder of the day and are ready to resume normal activities the following morning. Plan to have your companion available for the entire appointment, and arrange to rest at home for the remainder of the day.

Q8. Can sedation be used for a routine dental cleaning?

Absolutely. There is no procedure too simple for sedation if anxiety is preventing you from getting the care you need. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we offer sedation for any dental visit, including routine preventive care cleanings and check-ups, dental fillings, X-rays and diagnostic imaging, and any other procedure that causes you anxiety. Many patients who avoided the dentist for years because of fear use sedation for their first several visits until they become comfortable with the office, the team, and the experience. Over time, some patients find that the trust they develop with Dr. Cohan and the comfort of our spa-like environment allow them to reduce their sedation level or eliminate it entirely. Others continue to use sedation at every visit, and that is perfectly fine. The goal is keeping you healthy and comfortable, whatever that requires.

Q9. I have not been to the dentist in years because of anxiety. Can sedation help me catch up?

This is one of the most common and most rewarding scenarios we see at Summerlin Dental Solutions. Patients who have avoided dental care for five, ten, or even twenty years because of anxiety often need multiple treatments to address the accumulated issues: deep cleanings for gum disease, fillings for cavities, crowns for damaged teeth, and sometimes extractions and implants for teeth that could not be saved. Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Cohan to complete more work in fewer appointments, because a sedated patient can comfortably sit for longer procedures. This means you can catch up on years of deferred care in a fraction of the visits it would require without sedation. Dr. Cohan approaches these cases with zero judgment and genuine compassion. She understands why you stayed away, and her only focus is getting you back to health as comfortably as possible.

Q10. What should I expect before, during, and after a sedation dentistry appointment?

Before: Dr. Cohan reviews your medical history and recommends the appropriate sedation level. You receive specific preparation instructions (fasting requirements for IV sedation, medication timing for oral sedation, arranging a driver if needed). Wear comfortable clothing and arrive at the scheduled time. During: For nitrous oxide, the mask is placed and you begin breathing the gas within minutes. For oral sedation, you take the prescribed medication before arriving and will be deeply relaxed by the time you are seated. For IV sedation, the line is placed after you are comfortable in the treatment chair. Throughout all procedures, your vital signs are monitored continuously, and our spa-like comfort amenities (warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, entertainment screens) enhance the relaxation. After: Nitrous oxide patients can leave immediately and resume normal activities. Oral and IV sedation patients rest in the chair until they feel ready, then are escorted to their companion’s vehicle. Most patients report feeling pleasantly drowsy for the rest of the day and normal the following morning.

Q11. Is nitrous oxide (laughing gas) safe for children?

Yes. Nitrous oxide has been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades and is considered one of the safest sedation methods for children. It takes effect quickly, wears off within minutes, and allows the child to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan offers nitrous oxide for children who experience anxiety during dental visits, and our team is exceptionally patient and gentle with young patients. The entertainment screens, warm blankets, and friendly, unhurried approach make dental visits a positive experience that helps children build healthy habits rather than developing the dental fears that follow so many people into adulthood.

Q12. What dental procedures can be performed under sedation?

Virtually any dental procedure can be performed with sedation at Summerlin Dental Solutions. Common procedures that patients choose sedation for include preventive cleanings and check-ups, dental fillings, deep teeth cleanings for gum disease, dental crown and bridge placement, root canal therapy, tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal, dental implant surgery, veneer preparation and bonding, smile makeover procedures, All-on-4 implant restorations, full-mouth reconstruction, and cosmetic treatments. Because Summerlin Dental Solutions provides all of these services under one roof, patients who need sedation for complex treatment plans can have everything managed by one doctor and one trusted team.

Q13. What technology makes sedation dentistry safer and more comfortable at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

The advanced technology at Summerlin Dental Solutions enhances both the safety and the comfort of sedation dentistry. Our AI-assisted radiological analysis produces more accurate diagnoses before your sedation appointment, meaning less time in the chair and fewer surprises during the procedure. The 3D CBCT scanner provides comprehensive pre-surgical planning for complex procedures, reducing procedure time under sedation. The TRIOS digital scanner captures impressions without messy putty trays, eliminating a step that often triggers gag reflex and anxiety. Our soft tissue laser performs gum procedures with less bleeding and faster healing, reducing the invasiveness of treatments done under sedation. Digital X-rays deliver instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation. And dual-screen exam rooms allow Dr. Cohan to show you exactly what she will be doing before the sedation begins, reducing the fear of the unknown that drives so much dental anxiety. The faster and less invasive a procedure is, the less sedation time is needed, and our technology makes every procedure faster and less invasive.

Q14. What are Dr. Cohan’s qualifications for administering dental sedation?

Dr. Marianne Cohan has administered dental sedation safely and effectively for more than 31 years across thousands of patient cases. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual honors, including the Operative Dentistry Award and the Periodontics Award, and maintains current certifications in all forms of dental sedation offered at the practice. She is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (fewer than 1% of dentists), a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a Best Dentist in America through peer nomination, and a 19-time Best of Las Vegas winner across four categories including Best Dentist and Best Customer Service. She maintains additional memberships in the ADA, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and Academy of General Dentistry. Beyond her technical qualifications, patients consistently describe her chairside manner as calm, reassuring, and genuinely compassionate, qualities that matter enormously for patients choosing sedation because of fear. You genuinely could not be in better hands.

Q15. How does the spa-like environment at Summerlin Dental Solutions reduce dental anxiety?

The physical environment plays a larger role in dental anxiety than most patients realize. Clinical-looking offices with harsh lighting, medical smells, and the sounds of dental instruments can trigger anxiety before a patient even sits in the chair. Summerlin Dental Solutions was redesigned from top to bottom to counteract every one of those triggers. The office features a gorgeous, modern interior with warm lighting, contemporary design accents, and an atmosphere patients consistently describe as spa-like rather than clinical. Every treatment chair is equipped with warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones that block out sounds you would rather not hear, complimentary beverages, and a personal entertainment screen where you can watch your favorite show or listen to music during treatment. Even the scents and sounds of the reception area have been chosen to create calm. For many patients, these environmental elements reduce anxiety enough that they need a lower level of sedation than they expected, or in some cases, no sedation at all. Combined with the friendliest, most genuinely caring dental team you will ever encounter, the experience is fundamentally different from the anxiety-producing dental offices that created your fear in the first place.

Q16. Can sedation help patients with a severe gag reflex?

Yes, and this is one of the most common non-anxiety reasons patients request sedation at Summerlin Dental Solutions. A strong gag reflex can make even routine procedures like X-rays, impressions, and cleanings extremely uncomfortable. Sedation relaxes the muscles that trigger the gag reflex, making it possible for Dr. Cohan to work comfortably and thoroughly. Nitrous oxide often provides enough relaxation to manage a mild to moderate gag reflex. For patients with a severe gag reflex, oral sedation or IV sedation may be recommended to ensure complete comfort. Our TRIOS digital scanner has also reduced gag reflex issues significantly by replacing the bulky, uncomfortable impression trays that are one of the most common gag triggers. The combination of sedation and digital scanning makes impressions and extended dental work entirely manageable for even the most sensitive patients.

Q17. Where is the closest sedation dentist to The Summit, The Ridges, and Queensridge?

Summerlin Dental Solutions is located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, centrally positioned in the heart of Summerlin between Tivoli Village and Boca Park. Queensridge residents are just 5 to 10 minutes from our office, making it easy for a companion to drop you off and pick you up after oral or IV sedation appointments. The Summit residents reach us in approximately 10 to 12 minutes via Town Center Drive and Rampart Boulevard. The Ridges residents connect via Rampart or the 215 Beltway in a similarly short drive. For sedation patients specifically, having a practice this close to home is especially valuable because you want the drive after your appointment to be as short and comfortable as possible. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your sedation consultation.

Q18. Can patients from Henderson receive sedation dentistry at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Yes. Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for sedation dentistry because our practice offers all three sedation levels (nitrous, oral, and IV) in a single location, with comprehensive treatment capabilities that allow complex cases to be completed in fewer sedation appointments. Patients who need extensive work such as full-mouth reconstruction, multiple implants, or years of deferred care can have everything managed under sedation by one trusted doctor, eliminating the referral chains and multi-office coordination that make anxious patients even more anxious. For Henderson patients using oral or IV sedation, we recommend having your companion plan for the 30-minute drive each way and a comfortable rest at home afterward.

Q19. Is there a sedation dentist near Centennial Hills and Spring Valley?

Yes. Summerlin Dental Solutions serves sedation dentistry patients from throughout the Las Vegas Valley including Centennial Hills, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and all surrounding areas. Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes, while Spring Valley patients are just 10 to 15 minutes south along the 215 Beltway. Both communities include many patients who discovered Summerlin Dental Solutions specifically because they were searching for a sedation dentist and found that our combination of three sedation levels, spa-like comfort amenities, advanced technology, and a compassionate team was exactly what they needed to finally get the dental care they had been avoiding. Spring Valley residents in particular benefit from the short post-sedation drive home, making oral and IV sedation appointments especially convenient.

Q20. How do I schedule a sedation dentistry consultation at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Call (702) 341-9160 and let our team know you are interested in sedation dentistry or that you experience dental anxiety. There is no judgment and no embarrassment. You can also book online through our website or begin with a virtual consultation from the comfort of your home, which can be especially helpful for patients whose anxiety makes even a phone call difficult. New patients can complete patient forms online before arriving to minimize time in the waiting room. Your consultation includes a comprehensive examination with Dr. Cohan, a detailed medical history review to determine the safest sedation option for you, advanced diagnostic imaging to assess your dental needs, a personalized treatment plan with cost estimates and financing options, and a conversation about your fears and concerns in a no-pressure, compassionate environment. We are located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in the heart of Summerlin near Tivoli Village and Boca Park. We proudly serve patients from The Summit, The Ridges, Queensridge, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, and all surrounding communities throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Your comfort is our priority, and your anxiety does not have to keep you from the care you deserve.

The Summit

One of Summerlin’s most prestigious guard-gated communities, The Summit is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from our office. Summit residents who experience dental anxiety appreciate having a sedation dentist with three sedation levels, over 31 years of safe administration experience, and a spa-like environment within minutes of their community. The short drive home after sedation makes the entire process smooth and comfortable.

The Ridges

Nestled against Red Rock Canyon, The Ridges is a short drive from our office via Rampart Boulevard or the 215 Beltway. Ridges residents value Dr. Cohan’s sole-practitioner model for sedation cases, where the same trusted doctor who understands your anxiety and your medical history is present at every appointment. That consistency builds the trust that anxious patients need most.

Queensridge

Our closest neighboring community at just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. Queensridge residents benefit from the shortest possible post-sedation drive home, making oral and IV sedation appointments especially convenient. Many Queensridge patients who once avoided the dentist for years now maintain regular preventive care visits at our office because sedation removed the barrier that kept them away.

Henderson

Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for sedation dentistry because our ability to complete complex treatment plans in fewer sedation visits (thanks to advanced technology and comprehensive on-site capabilities) means fewer drives and fewer total appointments to achieve the same outcome.

Centennial Hills

North Las Vegas and Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This growing community includes many patients who found Summerlin Dental Solutions specifically through online searches for sedation dentistry and who tell us the practice exceeded every expectation they had for what an anxiety-free dental experience could feel like.

Spring Valley

Located just south of Summerlin along the 215 Beltway, Spring Valley patients reach our office in 10 to 15 minutes. As one of our largest patient communities, Spring Valley residents make up a significant portion of our sedation dentistry patient base. Many discovered us through recommendations from friends and family members who overcame their own dental fears at our practice.

AI-Assisted Radiology

Our artificial intelligence system produces more thorough and accurate diagnoses before your sedation appointment, meaning Dr. Cohan knows exactly what needs to be done and can complete the treatment plan efficiently while you are comfortably sedated. No unexpected findings, no extended procedure times, and no need for additional sedation visits that better planning would have prevented.

3D CBCT Scanner

For patients undergoing sedated procedures like implant placement, wisdom tooth extraction, or complex restorative work, the CBCT scanner provides a complete three-dimensional surgical plan before sedation begins. This pre-surgical precision means shorter procedure times and fewer complications, both of which directly benefit sedation patients.

TRIOS Digital Scanner

The TRIOS scanner eliminates one of the most common anxiety triggers in dentistry: the impression tray. Traditional putty impressions are uncomfortable, messy, and frequently trigger the gag reflex. Our digital scanner captures precise impressions in minutes using a small handheld wand, with no goopy material and no gagging. For anxious patients, this single technology change can dramatically improve the experience.

Soft Tissue Laser

Our dental laser performs gum procedures with less bleeding, less post-operative discomfort, and faster healing than traditional methods. For sedated patients, this means less invasive treatment, shorter recovery, and a better overall experience. The laser is quieter and less intimidating than traditional instruments, which also reduces anxiety for patients under light sedation.

Digital X-Rays

Instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation than conventional film eliminates the waiting, film processing, and repositioning that traditional X-rays require. For anxious patients, the speed and simplicity of digital X-rays means less time in the chair and fewer stress-inducing moments during diagnostic visits.

Dual-Screen Exam Rooms

Every treatment room features dual monitors that Dr. Cohan uses during pre-sedation consultations to show you exactly what she will be doing during your procedure. Understanding the plan before sedation begins reduces the fear of the unknown that drives so much dental anxiety. Knowledge is a powerful antidote to fear, and our visual approach ensures you are informed and empowered before you ever feel the first effects of sedation.

Continuous Vital Monitoring

During all oral and IV sedation appointments, your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are monitored continuously using clinical-grade equipment. This real-time monitoring ensures your safety throughout the procedure and allows Dr. Cohan to adjust sedation levels instantly if needed. Your safety is never a secondary consideration. It is the foundation on which everything else is built.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

Call (702) 341-9160 to discuss sedation options.

Book Online     |     Virtual Consultation     |     Financing Options

851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230  |  Las Vegas, NV 89145  |  Near Tivoli Village & Boca Park