audit_keyword: sedation dentistry hillsboro
Sedation Dentistry in Hillsboro — Comfortable Care for Anxious Patients
I see this question almost weekly: “I haven’t been to a dentist in 8 years because I’m terrified — can you help me?” The honest answer is yes, that’s exactly what dental sedation is for. In our 19 years on Shaleen Street, the patients who use sedation aren’t the ones who don’t care about their teeth — they’re the ones who care so much they froze. Sedation lets us actually do the work without you having to white-knuckle through it.
We offer three levels here: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety, oral conscious sedation (Halcion / triazolam) for moderate cases, and IV sedation by a doctor with oral-surgery and anesthesia training for severe phobia or long surgical appointments. We match the level to your anxiety, your medical history (ASA classification matters — more on that below), and what we’re actually doing in the chair. None of it is general anesthesia — you keep breathing on your own through every option.
Tuesday morning fills first for sedation cases — we schedule the IV-sedation patients first thing so the doctor and the team are fresh and the recovery happens during normal business hours.
- Procedure: Sedation Dentistry — Nitrous Oxide, Oral Conscious Sedation, IV Sedation
- Provider: Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD — Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (top 7% nationally) with advanced training in dental anesthesia protocols
- Location: East Wind Dental Care, 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
- Phone: (503) 614-0198
- Office Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8am–5pm | Tue 7am–6pm | Thu 7am–5pm | Sat 7am–12pm | Sun Closed
- Sedation Levels Offered: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation (triazolam/Halcion), IV sedation (titrated by trained provider)
- Cost: Nitrous oxide $50–$100 per visit | Oral sedation $200–$400 per visit | IV sedation $400–$800 per visit (add-on to dental work cost)
- Best Candidates: Patients with moderate-to-severe dental phobia, strong gag reflex, PTSD or trauma history, sensory sensitivities, extensive dental work planned, or years of avoided care
- Safety Monitoring: Continuous pulse oximetry, blood pressure monitoring, respiration rate tracking throughout the procedure
- Recovery Time: Nitrous oxide clears in 5–10 minutes (drive yourself home) | Oral/IV sedation requires a responsible adult escort and no driving for 24 hours
- Insurance Coverage: Partially covered when medically necessary (documented phobia, severe gag reflex, special needs); VIP Membership members receive 15% off sedation fees
- Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Farsi
- Financing Options: CareCredit (0% for qualified applicants), Sunbit instant approval, Cherry Health monthly plans
- Next Step: Call (503) 614-0198 to discuss sedation options — we match the sedation level to your anxiety and the procedure planned
- Reviewed by: Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD — last medically reviewed 2026-05-10
How Sedation Dentistry Works — Step by Step
1. Pre-Appointment Screening: Before any sedation appointment, we review your complete medical history, current medications, allergies, and ASA classification (a standardized health-status score). For oral and IV sedation, you receive NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions — typically no food or drink for 6 hours before the appointment. We answer every sedation question before the day of your procedure so there are no surprises.
2. Arrival and Sedation Administration: For nitrous oxide, you arrive normally and we place a small nasal mask delivering a blend of oxygen and nitrous gas — onset is 2–3 minutes. For oral sedation, you take the prescribed medication one hour before your appointment time and arrive with your adult driver; by the time you reach the chair you are deeply relaxed. For IV sedation, the anesthesia provider places an IV line in your arm and begins titrating the sedative medication while monitoring your vital signs in real time.
3. Dental Treatment Under Sedation: Once you are comfortable, Dr. Ostovar performs the planned dental work — whether that is a cleaning, multiple fillings, extractions, implant placement, or full-mouth restoration. You remain conscious and breathing on your own throughout (sedation dentistry is not general anesthesia), but the anxiety and discomfort are dramatically reduced or eliminated. The depth of nitrous oxide and IV sedation can be adjusted in real time based on your comfort.
4. Recovery and Departure: Nitrous oxide wears off within 5–10 minutes of removing the mask — you leave the chair clear-headed and drive yourself home. Oral and IV sedation produce longer-lasting drowsiness; your responsible adult escort drives you home and stays with you for several hours. Most patients on oral or IV sedation go home and sleep for the rest of the afternoon. We call the next morning to check on your recovery and answer any post-sedation questions.
Nervous About the Dentist?
Tell us when you call. We’ll match the sedation level to what you actually need. Call (503) 614-0198.
Our Sedation Options
The American Dental Association's anesthesia and sedation guidelines define three sedation levels we offer here, chosen based on your anxiety level, the procedure’s complexity, and your medical history. None of them put you under general anesthesia.
Level 1: Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
What it is: A blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen delivered through a small mask that rests over your nose. You breathe normally and feel a pleasant, calming sensation within two to three minutes.
What it feels like: Most patients describe it as a floating, warm, relaxed feeling. You remain fully conscious and can communicate with Dr. Ostovar throughout the procedure. Sounds may seem distant. Time passes quickly. You do not lose control or consciousness.
Recovery: Nitrous oxide leaves your system within minutes of removing the mask. There is no lingering drowsiness. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities immediately — the only sedation option that allows this.
Best for:
- Mild to moderate anxiety
- Patients who want relaxation but need to drive themselves home
- Short procedures (cleanings, fillings, single crowns)
- Children who are nervous about dental visits
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Patients who have avoided the dentist for years due to fear
- Longer procedures (multiple fillings, crown preparations, implant planning)
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who want minimal memory of the procedure
- Severe dental phobia
- Extensive dental work planned in one appointment (multiple extractions, full-mouth treatment)
- Surgical procedures (dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting)
- Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Patients with special needs that make lengthy appointments difficult
- Patients who have avoided the dentist for years — Sedation makes it possible to address accumulated dental problems in fewer, longer appointments instead of many short visits
- Patients with a strong gag reflex — Sedation relaxes the gag reflex, making procedures more comfortable for both the patient and the dental team
- Patients needing extensive work — If you need multiple fillings, crowns, or extractions, sedation allows Dr. Ostovar to complete more work in a single visit while you rest comfortably
- Patients with jaw joint (TMJ) problems — Keeping your mouth open for extended periods can be uncomfortable; sedation relaxes the jaw muscles
- Patients with sensitive teeth — Sedation reduces the perception of sensitivity during procedures
- Patients with special needs — Individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities who may find the dental environment overwhelming
- Children who are very anxious — Nitrous oxide is safe and effective for pediatric patients; oral sedation may be appropriate for older children in specific situations
- Medical history review — Before any sedation, we review your complete medical history, current medications, and allergies
- Continuous monitoring — During sedation, we monitor your pulse, blood oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry), blood pressure, and respiration rate
- Emergency equipment — Our office maintains emergency drugs, supplemental oxygen, and resuscitation equipment in accordance with ADA and Oregon Board of Dentistry guidelines
- Post-operative instructions — You receive written aftercare instructions, and our team follows up by phone the same day to check on your recovery
- Licensed providers — IV sedation is administered by a state-licensed dental anesthesia provider
- Emergency Dentist — Same-day emergency care with sedation options
- Oral Surgery — Surgical procedures performed under sedation
- Tooth Extraction — Sedation for tooth removal
- Wisdom Teeth Removal — IV sedation for wisdom tooth surgery
- Dental Implants — Sedation for implant placement
- Root Canal Therapy — Comfort-focused root canal therapy
Cost: $50 – $100 per appointment (in addition to the treatment fee).
Level 2: Oral Conscious Sedation
What it is: A prescription sedative medication (typically a benzodiazepine such as triazolam/Halcion) taken approximately one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive at our office, you are deeply relaxed.
What it feels like: You are technically awake but profoundly relaxed — often drowsy enough that you drift in and out of light sleep during the procedure. You can respond to verbal cues (“open wider,” “turn your head”) but are unlikely to remember much of the appointment afterward. Most patients feel like the procedure took only a few minutes, even if it lasted an hour or more.
Recovery: The sedative effects last several hours after your appointment. You must have a driver — you cannot drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. Most patients go home and sleep for a few hours, then feel normal by evening.
Best for:
Cost: $200 – $400 per appointment.
Level 3: IV Sedation
What it is: A sedative medication administered intravenously (through an IV line in your arm) by a certified dental anesthesia provider. The medication is titrated in real time — meaning the level of sedation is continuously adjusted during the procedure for optimal comfort and safety.
What it feels like: You are in a state between consciousness and sleep. You may be able to respond to stimuli but are deeply sedated and will have little to no memory of the procedure. Many patients say it felt like they blinked and the procedure was over.
Recovery: IV sedation produces deeper and longer-lasting drowsiness than oral sedation. You must have a driver and a responsible adult who can stay with you for several hours after the appointment. Full recovery typically takes the rest of the day.
Medical clearance: IV sedation requires a brief medical history review and may not be appropriate for patients with certain cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Dr. Ostovar’s team will evaluate your candidacy before scheduling.
Best for:
Cost: $400 – $800 per appointment.
Which Sedation Level Is Right for You?
| Factor | Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation | IV Sedation |
|—|—|—|—|
| Anxiety level | Mild–moderate | Moderate–severe | Severe |
| Consciousness | Fully awake | Drowsy, may sleep lightly | Deeply sedated |
| Memory of procedure | Full recall | Partial to no recall | Little to no recall |
| Onset time | 2–3 minutes | 45–60 minutes | Immediate |
| Recovery time | Minutes | 4–6 hours | 6–12 hours |
| Driver needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can be adjusted in real time | Yes (gas flow) | No (fixed dose) | Yes (IV titration) |
| Can be used for children | Yes | Case-by-case | Rarely |
| Cost | $50–$100 | $200–$400 | $400–$800 |
Dr. Ostovar discusses sedation options with you before your appointment — taking into account your anxiety level, the treatment planned, your medical history, and your personal preferences. He will recommend the level he believes will give you the most comfortable experience, but the final choice is always yours.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is not only for patients with dental phobia. It is also helpful for:
Safety and Monitoring
Patient safety is the foundation of our sedation program:
Sedation Dentistry Cost in Hillsboro
| Sedation Type | Cost (Per Appointment) |
|—|—|
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | $50 – $100 |
| Oral conscious sedation | $200 – $400 |
| IV sedation | $400 – $800 |
Sedation fees are in addition to the cost of your dental treatment. Some dental insurance plans cover sedation when it is medically necessary (e.g., for patients with documented anxiety disorders or special needs). Our team can verify your specific coverage.
VIP Membership Plan members receive 15% off all office fees, including treatment performed under sedation. CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry Health financing are available.
You Deserve Care Without Fear
Sedation dentistry makes it possible. Call (503) 614-0198 — we will make your visit comfortable.
What Patients Say
★★★★★
Rated 4.9 / 5 across 300 verified Google reviews — read what Hillsboro patients say about sedation dentistry.
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Related Services at East Wind Dental Care
Areas We Serve
East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across Washington County and the west Portland metro area: Hillsboro, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Aloha, Beaverton, South Hillsboro, Rock Creek, AmberGlen, Cornelius, Forest Grove, North Plains, and Banks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sedation Dentistry Hillsboro
Is sedation dentistry safe?
For ASA Class I and II patients (healthy or with well-controlled chronic conditions like managed hypertension or controlled diabetes), the safety profile of in-office dental sedation is excellent. We monitor pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout IV sedation per ADA Level 3 sedation guidelines. ASA III patients we screen carefully and sometimes refer to anesthesiologist-staffed sedation centers — sedation has a great safety profile for healthy patients but we won’t IV-sedate ASA III without medical clearance from your physician.
Is dental sedation safe for elderly patients?
Generally yes — but the screening is more careful. We see a lot of patients in their 70s and 80s from the Tanasbourne and Aloha area for sedation. The two flags are polypharmacy (interactions between sedatives and existing meds — blood thinners, beta-blockers, SSRIs) and cardiopulmonary reserve. For most healthy seniors, nitrous oxide or low-dose oral conscious sedation works well. IV sedation in patients over 75 we coordinate with their primary care or cardiologist before scheduling.
How long does dental sedation last?
Nitrous oxide clears in 5-10 minutes after we turn off the gas — you can drive yourself home. Oral conscious sedation (Halcion / triazolam) takes about an hour to peak and lingers 4-6 hours, so you’ll feel groggy through most of the afternoon if your appointment is in the morning. IV sedation has a sharper onset and offset — you’re effectively present again within 30-45 minutes of the IV stopping, but the full mental fog clears over 4-8 hours and most patients sleep that evening.
Will I remember anything with sedation dentistry?
Nitrous: full memory, but the time feels compressed. Oral conscious sedation: most patients remember bits and pieces — usually the very beginning and the end, with the middle hour fuzzy or absent. IV sedation: most patients have no memory of the procedure itself. The amnestic effect is one of the reasons IV sedation is the right choice for patients with severe phobia or trauma history — the brain doesn’t store the experience as a threat memory.
What’s the difference between IV sedation and oral sedation?
Oral sedation is one fixed dose of pill medication you take an hour before the appointment — usually triazolam (Halcion). It works for moderate anxiety but the depth is locked in by what you swallowed. IV sedation goes through an IV line, so the dose is titrated in real time during the procedure — we can take you deeper for the surgical part and lighter as we close. IV is delivered by a doctor with oral-surgery and anesthesia training; the depth and the safety monitoring are both higher.
Can I drive after sedation dentistry?
Nitrous oxide — yes, drive yourself, resume normal activity immediately. Oral conscious sedation or IV sedation — absolutely not. You need an escort home (a responsible adult who drives you) and someone to stay with you for the rest of the day. No driving, no signing legal documents, no using stairs unattended for 24 hours. Uber/Lyft does not count as an escort — the driver can’t legally accept a sedated patient.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Sometimes — when there’s documented medical necessity. Most plans cover nitrous oxide for kids under 13 and for adults with documented severe dental phobia or medical conditions (intellectual disability, severe gag reflex, controlled seizure disorder). IV sedation tied to oral surgery (wisdom teeth, multiple extractions, implant placement) is more often covered than IV sedation for restorative work. We verify coverage before scheduling so there’s no surprise. VIP Membership members get 15% off sedation fees.
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry in Hillsboro?
Best candidates: patients who’ve avoided dental care for years out of fear, patients with strong gag reflex, patients facing long procedures (multiple extractions, implant surgery, full-mouth restoration), patients with PTSD or trauma history around medical settings, patients with developmental or cognitive disabilities, anxious kids. Tuesday morning fills first for sedation cases — we schedule the IV-sedation patients first thing so the doctor and the team are fresh and the recovery happens during normal business hours.
Does sedation dentistry cost more than a regular cleaning?
The sedation itself is an add-on fee on top of the dental work — a cleaning under nitrous costs the cleaning fee plus $75-$100 for the gas. For comparison: nitrous $75-$150, oral conscious sedation $250-$400, IV sedation $500-$800 per hour as of 2026. The economics usually favor sedation when it lets us combine multiple appointments into one — five fillings done under one IV-sedation appointment costs less in total than five separate visits with five separate copays and five trips off work.
Can children receive sedation dentistry safely?
Nitrous oxide — yes, very commonly. It’s the standard for anxious kids ages 4 and up; the parent stays in the room, the child stays awake, and the gas is off in minutes when we’re done. Oral conscious sedation in kids we use selectively for cooperative kids who need extensive work, with strict NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours before. We don’t do IV sedation for routine pediatric work in a general dental office — for kids who need that level of sedation we refer to a pediatric dental anesthesiologist.
Schedule Your Comfortable Visit
Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198
Fear-Free Dentistry Starts Here
Tell us about your anxiety when you call. We will match the right sedation approach to your needs. Call (503) 614-0198.
Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Last medically reviewed: 2026-05-05 | Book a consultation
> Dr. Ostovar leads East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, which has served the community since 2006. He holds Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 7% of general dentists in the U.S.
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