Sedation Dentistry
At Wenatchee Dental Arts, Dr. John Divis, DDS, has been providing sedation dentistry in the Wenatchee Valley since 1994. In 1999, he completed an in-hospital training program with the Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia in Dentistry, one of the oldest dental societies in the country, where he trained alongside experienced dentists and anesthesiologists. He holds a Washington State permit to administer moderate IV anesthesia — a credential that requires well over 100 hours of dedicated training and ongoing continuing education. This is not a standard offering at most general dental practices in the Wenatchee Valley.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry
Sedation is not limited to patients with severe phobia. There is a wide range of situations where it makes a meaningful difference in both the patient experience and the quality of care we can deliver.
Sedation Options We Offer
Dr. Divis will recommend a sedation level based on your medical history, the nature of your treatment, and your personal comfort goals. There is no single right answer — the right option is the one that lets you receive the care you need with the least stress possible.
Have questions about which option is right for you? Our Sedation Dentistry FAQs page covers common questions about safety, cost, preparation, and what to expect.
What to Expect at Your Sedation Appointment
The process is designed to be straightforward from your very first contact with our team. Below are the six steps every sedation patient moves through, from scheduling to recovery.
Step 1 - Making Your First Appointment
The solution to comfortable dental care is only a phone call away. You may be anxious or fearful, but our team can answer all of your questions and help you feel more comfortable coming for your initial visit. We are here to help you, just as we have successfully helped many others.
Step 2 - Welcoming Visit
We welcome the opportunity to get to know you. We will do no more at this visit than you are comfortable with. If that means only discussing your wants, fears, and goals, then that is as far as we will go. If you are okay to take x-rays or have Dr. Divis look in your mouth, we will gently accomplish that. If sedation is needed to accomplish the diagnosis, we will schedule accordingly. You will never be judged or made to feel embarrassed.
Step 3 - Preparing For Your Sedation Visit
The type of preparation needed will depend on which type of sedation you’ll be using. For oral sedation, we will give you a mild sedative in pill form to take the night before your first appointment to encourage a restful night of sleep. This medication will help you wake up relaxed and peaceful about your visit.
Step 4 - Arriving For Treatment
Because of the lingering relaxed state from the sedatives, you will need a companion to bring you to the office. Additional medications will be provided to create a very comfortable and completely relaxed state. The latest in monitoring equipment tracks your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. We promise not to continue your treatment unless you are totally relaxed and comfortably sedated. You will be amazed at how much can be accomplished in such a seemingly short period of time.
Step 5 - Going Home
Once treatment is complete, your companion will take you home. Post-treatment instructions and any necessary medications are provided to you and your companion. This will help you remain comfortable after your care.
Step 6 – Post-Treatment
After an appropriate healing period, you are free to resume your normal activities. Most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the sedation. Stronger sedation medications tend to have an amnesic effect. That means you will have very little memory of your visit and are free to enjoy the healthy, appealing results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Dr. Divis holds a Washington State permit to administer moderate IV anesthesia and has completed over 100 hours of dedicated sedation training through the Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia in Dentistry. Throughout every sedation appointment, the latest monitoring equipment tracks your vital signs continuously. We will not proceed with treatment unless you are fully relaxed and safely sedated.
Will I be unconscious during sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide keeps you fully awake and aware. Oral sedation produces deep relaxation — you may drift in and out of a light sleep but can be roused. IV sedation creates a deeper state where you will have little to no memory of the visit, though most patients are not fully unconscious in the traditional sense.
Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?
Only if you are receiving nitrous oxide, which wears off within minutes of the mask being removed. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you must have a trusted adult bring you to the office and take you home. We will not allow you to drive yourself after these procedures for your own safety.
Is there an additional cost for sedation?
Yes, there is a fee for sedation beyond the cost of the dental treatment itself. We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available if you need flexible payment options. During your consultation, we will review costs with you transparently so there are no surprises.
What if I have avoided the dentist for years?
You are exactly who sedation dentistry is designed for. Many of our sedation patients have gone years or even decades without care. We will not judge you and we will not overwhelm you. Your first visit is simply a conversation — we go only as far as you are comfortable, and we build a plan from there at your pace.
Schedule Your Sedation Consultation at Wenatchee Dental Arts
The dentist’s office does not have to be a place of fear. Dr. John Divis, DDS, has spent over 30 years building a practice in the Wenatchee Valley focused on helping patients feel safe, respected, and comfortable — including those who have had difficult experiences elsewhere. His fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and his advanced sedation training mean you are being cared for by one of the most comprehensively trained general dentists in the region. Whether you are searching for cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, teeth whitening, or basic dental treatment, sedation makes it possible to get everything done comfortably and efficiently.
We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for patients who need flexible payment options. To learn more or take the first step, contact our team today.
Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.