Stress-Free Sedation Dentistry in Sioux Falls, SD

Discover safe, personalized sedation options that keep you relaxed through every dental visit.

Same-day appointments & walk-ins welcome
Convenient Sioux Falls locations for stress-free care
No insurance, no problem. Flexible payment optionsThis link leads the Cherry Financing page available.

Do You Feel Nervous About Dental Visits?

Neighborhood Dental helps ease your fear with safe sedation dentistry.

For many patients, dental care can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever delayed treatment because of pain, fear, or anxiety, you are not alone. Sedation dentistry in Sioux Falls, SD, is designed to help you breathe easier, stay comfortable, and complete the dental work you need.

At Neighborhood DentalThis link leads to Home page, our caring team tailors sedation options to your needs so you can focus on your health—not your worry.

5 possible issues sedation dentistry helps fix:

Fear of dental procedures or dental anxiety
Difficulty completing complex procedures in one visit
Sensitivity to pain during dental treatment
Strong gag reflex that makes dental work uncomfortable
Needing a little extra help to stay calm and relaxed

With the right sedation option, visiting the dentist no longer has to be stressful. At Neighborhood Dental, our teamThis link leads to the Doctors’ page ensures you receive safe, effective care with comfort at the heart of every procedure.

Our specialists, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Boyd, work with Michael Wright, Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), to offer safe sedation services 1-2 times a month at both our West 26th Street and East 26th Street locations.

Dr. Johnson's Certification Dr. Boyd's Certification

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Experience comfort, ease, and peace of mind with every dental procedure.

Reduce Anxiety and Fear

Sedation dentistry is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety before and during treatment. Instead of dreading your appointment, you’ll feel calm and ready to receive the care you need.

Complete Complex Procedures Comfortably

Sedation allows your dentist to perform more complex procedures in fewer visits. Patients often find they can complete multiple treatments in one appointment—saving both time and energy.

Increase Comfort and Safety

Sedation helps minimize pain, reduce discomfort, and ensure each medication is carefully administered. Our caring team monitors your consciousness level and breathing throughout the procedure, so you remain safe at all times.

Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs deliver safe, high-quality care. You will receive sedation from the CRNA and be continuously monitored throughout your entire sedation experience.

Improve Your Overall Dental Experience

With a wide variety of sedation options, you can leave the office with a smile, remembering little to no stress from your visit.

What Sioux Falls Is Saying About Us

Real stories from our amazing patients who transformed their smiles and lives.

Meet Our CRNA!

Michael Wright is a board-certified registered nurse anesthetist who will make your visit stress- and pain-free.

My name is Mike Wright. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. I graduated from South Dakota State UniversityThis link opens a new tab to SDSU website with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. After graduating, I worked in an ICU for five years.

I always had an interest in anesthesia and decided to pursue the profession in 2016. I graduated from the Nurse Anesthesia program at Mount Marty CollegeThis link opens a new tab to the Mount Marty College website in 2019 with a Master’s Degree. I have been practicing anesthesia for six years and have loved every minute. I truly enjoy getting to know my patients before their procedures. Building that trusting relationship before we perform the procedure goes a long way, and I’m here to help.

My wife is also a Nurse and works as a Nurse Case Manager. We have four kids who are very involved with sports. In our free time, we enjoy going to our camper at the Missouri River to go fishing and tubing. I also enjoy golfing and hunting.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Learn how sedation helps you stay relaxed, safe, and comfortable.

Sedation dentistry in Sioux Falls, SD, uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Whether you feel nervous about routine dental work or need support for more complex procedures, sedation options make your visit more comfortable.

Sedation is safe, carefully administered, and customized to each patient’s needs. Our team helps you choose the right option so you receive the dental care you need with confidence and ease.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

A light, fast-acting option inhaled through a mask that helps reduce anxiety while keeping you fully conscious.
IV conscious sedation

Medication delivered through an IV keeps you in a relaxed state, relieving any anxiety that you may have had about your dental visit.
Moderate sedation

A stronger level of dental sedation where you remain responsive but more relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure afterward.
Deep anesthesia

For certain cases or longer treatments, deep sedation provides maximum comfort. Patients may enter a sleep-like state and then gradually transition back to lighter sedation as treatment is completed.

The Process for Safe Sedation Care

A simple three-step plan tailored for your comfort.

Step 1 – Consultation and Planning

Your dentist reviews your health history, discusses sedation options, and helps you create a plan that ensures your safety and comfort. In some cases, clearance from your primary care provider may be needed.

Step 2 – Day of Your Appointment

You’ll follow simple pre-op instructions, such as fasting (NPO policy) and arranging a driver. During your appointment, sedation is administered, and your dentist begins your dental work while our caring team monitors your safety throughout. Most appointments last about one hour, not including recovery.

Step 3 – Recovery and Follow-up

After your procedure, you’ll have time to recover in our office before heading home. Even once you feel like yourself again, we recommend avoiding work, operating machinery, making important decisions, or participating in recreational activities for the rest of the day. We’ll provide clear post-op instructions and follow-up to ensure you recover smoothly.

Clinical Criteria and Eligibility

Making sure sedation is safe for you.

At Neighborhood Dental, we carefully screen our patients before recommending sedation. Some patients may need clearance from their primary care provider to qualify.

All dental procedures are eligible for sedation as long as patients meet wellness and medical requirements. Our CRNAs and dentists collaborate to ensure the safest experience possible.

If clearance is required, we’ll work directly with your PCP before moving forward.

Why Choose Us for Sedation Dentistry

Personalized sedation options with your safety and comfort in mind.

One of our Sioux Falls doctors talking to a patient

At Neighborhood Dental, we understand that fear, pain, and anxiety can make visiting the dentist difficult. That’s why we offer a variety of sedation options in Sioux Falls, SD, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Boyd work with our CRNA who will be administering the medications safely, while continuously monitoring your comfort level, leaving you cared for and confident while you sleep.

Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Helping you understand your options and ease your worries.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes. Sedation is administered by trained professionals, and your safety is closely monitored. Most patients respond well to the medication and feel relaxed throughout treatment.
Will I be completely unconscious?

Not always. With nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, you remain conscious but relaxed. Only with general anesthesia will you be fully unconscious.
What are nurse anesthetists?
Nurse anesthetists are highly educated advanced practice nurses who are licensed to administer anesthesia for a wide range of surgical and medical procedures. The profession originated during the Civil War when nurses provided anesthesia to wounded soldiers. Today, over 62,000 certified nurse anesthetists practice in various settings across the United States, including delivery rooms, dental offices, operating rooms, and outpatient surgical centers.
How is a nurse anesthetist different from a physician anesthesiologist?
Both professionals are recognized experts in delivering anesthesia care. Physicians undergo a comprehensive education that includes various fields such as obstetrics, histology, radiology, and urology before they specialize in anesthesiology through residency training. Nurse anesthetists follow a more focused pathway, requiring about eight years of education. This includes four years of collegiate nursing education, at least one year of experience in an acute patient care setting like the intensive care unit, and 2-3 years of graduate study, resulting in a Master’s or Doctoral degree to become a certified nurse anesthetist.
How long does recovery take after sedation?

Most patients feel back to normal within a few hours. However, it’s best to avoid work, driving, or making important decisions until the next day.
Can sedation help if I have a strong gag reflex?

Yes. Sedation reduces your gag reflex, making dental work much easier and more comfortable for both you and your dentist.
What if I’m still scared about visiting the dentist?

That’s completely normal. Sedation dentistry exists to help patients who feel nervous or fearful. With the right sedation option, you can receive the care you need without added stress.