Sedation Dentistry in Tacoma
Dental fear is common, and it shouldn’t keep you from care. South Sound Dental Care offers laughing gas and oral sedation for nervous patients, strong gag reflexes and longer visits, and every visit moves at a pace that keeps you comfortable and informed.
When Sedation Can Help
Many patients who ask about sedation have one of these in common.
Dental Anxiety or Fear
A Strong Gag Reflex
Longer or Multiple Procedures
Trouble Sitting Still
Sensitive Teeth or Low Pain Tolerance
Three Levels of Comfort
Not everyone needs sedation. Your doctor recommends the level that fits you and your treatment at your consultation.
Every visit
Gentle, Unhurried Care
Your dentist explains each step before treatment and keeps the area numb and comfortable. We move at a pace that helps you stay comfortable, whether you’re returning after years away or keeping a routine schedule.
Mild sedation
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
A mild sedative that helps anxious patients relax during treatment. You stay awake and can talk with your dentist the whole time.
Deeper relaxation
Oral Sedation
For significant anxiety or longer appointments, oral sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation. Your doctor talks with you about whether it’s the right choice for you.
Sedation can be used for many treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and gum disease treatment.
What Painless Dentistry Means Here
No honest dentist can promise you’ll feel nothing. What we can promise is an office that works to make every visit as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We talk through your options first, use the approach that’s most comfortable for you whenever we can, and move at your pace.
How a Sedation Visit Works
Mention It When You Book
Let us know you’re interested in sedation when you call or request an appointment, and we’ll plan your visit around it.
Talk It Through With the Doctor
At your consultation, your doctor reviews your health history and medications, explains the options that fit your treatment and answers your questions.
Instructions Made for You
Every patient is different, so your doctor gives you personal instructions for before and after your visit.
Treatment at a Comfortable Pace
Your dentist completes your treatment at a pace that keeps you comfortable, and explains each step along the way.
Gentle Care From Dr. Khan and Dr. Luce
Our doctors practice patient-first dentistry: steady pacing, clear explanations and supportive sedation when needed. Whatever brings you in, the goal is a visit that feels manageable.
Dr. Moona Khan, D.D.S.
Kois Center graduate. Voted Seattle Met Top Dentist in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Dr. S. Preston Luce, D.D.S.
Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency with the U.S. Army Dental Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Sedation and Comfort Questions
Feeling Nervous
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Whether you’re returning after years away or keeping a routine schedule, our goal is to make every visit feel manageable. We start with where things stand today.
What does painless dentistry mean?
It means making your whole visit as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We discuss your treatment options with you and, whenever possible, use the approach that’s most comfortable for you.
What if I have a strong gag reflex?
Tell us when you book. A strong gag reflex is one of the common reasons patients ask about sedation, and your doctor will talk through the options that fit you.
Planning a Visit
How should I prepare for a sedation visit?
Your doctor gives you instructions for your specific visit, because they depend on the type of sedation and your health. Call us with any questions before your appointment.
What treatments can be done with sedation?
Sedation can be used for many treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and gum disease treatment.
Sedation Options
What kinds of sedation do you offer?
We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and oral sedation. Your doctor recommends the right level for you and your treatment at your consultation.
Will I be awake with laughing gas?
Yes. Laughing gas is a mild sedative, so you stay conscious and can talk with your dentist during your visit.
Is oral sedation right for me?
It depends on your health, your medications and the treatment you need, which is why your doctor decides it with you in person.
Cost and Coverage
Does insurance cover sedation?
Coverage varies by plan. We review your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Ask about the Healthy Smiles Membership Plan and financing through CareCredit.
Nervous About the Dentist? Tell Us.
Mention sedation when you call or request an appointment, and we’ll plan your visit around it.
Or call (253) 473-4303.
Office Hours
Mon–Thu: 8:30am–6:00pm
Fri: 9:30am–3:00pm (New Patients)
Sat–Sun: Closed
Find Us
3402 South 18th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
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