For many, the biggest barrier to a healthy smile isn’t the dental work—it’s the anxiety of the chair. At Sapphire Dental Studio, we’ve solved this by offering a “Spectrum of Comfort.” From a light “take-the-edge-off” sensation to deep sleep, we provide specialized sedation tailored to your medical needs for any treatment, including exams, cleanings, and surgery.
1. What are my sedation options?
We offer all four levels of comfort to ensure you never have to “power through” your fear.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A gentle gas that helps you relax instantly. It wears off within minutes, so you
can drive yourself home.
Oral Sedation: A prescribed pill taken before your appointment to create a moderate state of calm.
Moderate IV Sedation: Led by Dr. Curtis Dugas, this “twilight” state leaves you deeply relaxed but able to
respond to simple instructions.
Deep IV Sedation: Led by our Dentist Anesthesiologist, Dr. Michael Walbom, this brings you to the edge of
sleep—ideal for complex surgery or severe phobia.
2. How do you decide which doctor handles my sedation?
Safety is our priority. While Dr. Dugas manages moderate sedation for most healthy patients, any medically
complicated case is managed by our specialist, Dr. Walbom. Having an anesthesiologist on-site allows us to
provide hospital-grade safety for every patient.
3. How much does sedation cost?
We use a transparent “pay-for-what-you-use” model. Range: $1,500 – 4,000
The Increment: After a base medication fee, sedation is billed in 15-minute increments.
You only pay for the time you are actually under care.
The Large Case Cap: For major restorations (like All-on-X), we cap the cost at 3 hours.
If the surgery runs longer, you aren’t charged extra. If it’s shorter, we refund you the difference.
4. Can I use sedation for a simple cleaning?
Absolutely. Sedation is available for every service we offer. Whether you need a routine exam, a filling, or a
crown, we can utilize any level of the “Spectrum” to ensure your visit is 100% stress-free.
5. Will I be monitored during the procedure?
Yes. Regardless of the level of sedation, we use advanced equipment to track your vitals every second. With a
Periodontist and an Anesthesiologist working together, you have two sets of expert eyes ensuring your wellbeing throughout your visit.