Sedation Dentistry - Coventry, RI

We Believe in Anxiety-Free and Soothing Dental Care

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A Calmer, Safer Way to Experience Dental Care

Fear shouldn’t stand between you and the care you deserve. At Eric George DMD & Associates, we understand how real dental anxiety is—and we specialize in helping patients overcome it through safe, personalized sedation options.

From mild anxiety to severe dental phobia, our team tailors sedation techniques to meet your individual comfort level. We offer advanced solutions including IV sedation—administered safely in-office by Dr. George, one of the few general dentists in Rhode Island licensed to provide it.

Sedation dentistry doesn’t just ease fear in the moment—it can transform your entire relationship with dental care. With the ability to complete multiple treatments in a single visit, we help reduce your stress, save you time, and protect your long-term health with fewer appointments.

Let us help you move from fear to confidence—one calm, comfortable visit at a time.

With modern dentistry, there are sedation techniques that can make you 100% comfortable. I am passionate about doing sedation dentistry and passionate about being able to allay patients’ anxieties towards dentistry. - Eric George, DMD

sedation dentistry patient smiling

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses safe, proven techniques to help you feel calm, relaxed, and free from pain during dental visits—no matter how simple or complex the procedure. Whether it’s mild anxiety or a deep fear that’s kept you away from the dentist, sedation can help transform your experience.

At Eric George DMD & Associates, we offer several levels of sedation—ranging from light relaxation with nitrous oxide to deeper calming effects through IV or general anesthesia. These options are tailored to your needs, your procedure, and your comfort level.

With modern dental sedation, most patients report little or no memory of their visit and are often surprised by how easy the experience feels.

dental patient under sedation

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

You’re not alone if the thought of a dental visit makes you nervous—or even terrified. Sedation dentistry is especially helpful for patients who:

Even if you’ve avoided dental care for years, sedation can make it possible to get the treatment you need—comfortably and confidently. And once your trust builds, many patients find they no longer need it at all.

Which Type of Sedation Is Right for You?

Every patient’s comfort level is different, and so is every procedure. That’s why we offer multiple types of sedation—ranging from light relaxation to deep sedation—to help you receive the care you need without fear, discomfort, or unnecessary stress.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Ideal for patients with mild anxiety or short procedures. Inhaled through a nasal mask, this gentle sedation takes effect within moments and wears off quickly after treatment. You’ll remain fully awake, relaxed, and able to drive yourself home afterward.

dental patient taking sedation pill

Oral Sedation

Best for moderate anxiety or longer treatments. Taken as a pill before your visit, oral sedation allows you to stay awake but deeply relaxed—many patients remember little to nothing about their procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home and plan to rest afterward.

dental iv sedation

IV Sedation

Recommended for severe dental anxiety, past trauma, or complex procedures. Delivered through a small IV, this form of sedation creates a sleep-like state while keeping you responsive. Dr. George is one of the few general dentists in Rhode Island licensed to administer IV sedation in-office. You’ll need an escort and recovery time, but most patients report minimal awareness of the procedure.

sedation dentistry patient

General Anesthesia

Reserved for surgical cases or patients who are resistant to other sedation methods. You’ll be completely unconscious and monitored by a licensed anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. This option is typically recommended for extensive oral surgery or special medical circumstances.

Not Sure Which Option You Need?

During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, comfort level, and treatment plan to recommend the safest and most effective sedation for your needs. Whether it’s a routine filling or a full smile reconstruction, we’ll make sure you feel calm and cared for from start to finish.

Don’t Let Fear Jeopardize Your Health

Avoiding the dentist isn’t just about teeth—it can affect your entire body. When small dental issues go untreated, they can turn into serious problems that impact more than your smile. Gum disease, infections, and chronic inflammation in the mouth have been linked to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes complications.

The good news? Sedation dentistry makes it possible to get the care you need—without fear, stress, or pain. Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, we’re here to help you get back on track comfortably.

Your oral health plays a vital role in your overall well-being. With the right support and sedation options, you can protect your smile and your health—without anxiety standing in the way.

dr bashar
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Dr. Bashar A. Shehadeh

Nervous About Going to the Dentist? Know Your Sedation Options

Expectations Before, During, and After Your Sedation Visit

Before Your Appointment

We begin with a personal consultation where we take time to understand your medical history, dental concerns, and level of anxiety. Based on your needs and the type of treatment planned, we’ll recommend the safest, most effective sedation option for you—whether that’s nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.

You’ll receive clear instructions ahead of your appointment, including whether to avoid food, take prescribed medications, or bring someone to drive you home.

During Your Visit

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a friendly team that’s trained to prioritize your comfort. We’ll walk you through every step and monitor you closely throughout the procedure, ensuring you stay relaxed and safe. Depending on your chosen sedation method, you may feel drowsy, deeply calm, or have little memory of the procedure at all. But at every stage, you’ll be cared for by experienced professionals focused on your well-being.

After Your Procedure

Your recovery will depend on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you may be able to resume normal activities the same day. Oral and IV sedation take longer to leave your system, so you’ll need someone to drive you home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Before you leave, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and be available to answer any questions that come up. Our goal is to ensure you recover comfortably—and feel confident about your next visit.

Eric George DMD & Associates
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Dr. George

Sedation

We understand dental visits can be stressful, and we’re here to make your experience as calm and welcoming as possible—because protecting your oral health protects your whole-body health.

Find Relief.
Find Comfort.
Find Your Confidence Again.

If you’ve delayed dental care because of fear, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. At Eric George DMD & Associates, we’re here to help you take back control of your oral health through personalized, anxiety-free sedation dentistry.

From your very first call to the moment you leave our office, you’ll be treated with compassion, patience, and respect. Whether you’re due for a simple cleaning or facing complex dental work, you deserve care that puts you at ease.

Don’t let fear dictate your health—or your happiness.

Let us help you feel safe again in the dentist’s chair.

Call now to schedule your sedation consultation in Coventry, RI.

Sedation Dentistry FAQ: Your Guide to Anxiety-Free Dental Visits in Coventry, RI

Sedation dentistry uses carefully administered medications to help you feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable during dental procedures. Depending on your anxiety level and treatment needs, sedation may be delivered via nitrous oxide, oral medication, IV sedation, or general anesthesia—all provided in-office by trained professionals.

After IV sedation, you’ll likely feel drowsy and may have limited memory of the procedure. A trusted companion will need to drive you home, and rest is recommended for the remainder of the day. Most patients feel fully recovered by the next day and are surprised by how smooth the experience feels.

Sedation dentistry reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety—such as muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, and panic—by calming the nervous system. IV and oral sedation often result in partial or full memory loss of the procedure, which helps break the fear cycle over time and builds patient confidence with each visit.

 

Yes. Sedation dentistry, including IV and general anesthesia, is safely used for longer or more involved procedures. Dr. Eric George is one of the few general dentists in Rhode Island licensed to provide IV sedation, ensuring that even complex cases can be completed with comfort and precision under close monitoring.

An overactive gag reflex is often triggered by anxiety or sensitivity in the mouth. Sedation dentistry helps by calming your body’s natural responses, making dental treatment far more manageable—even for patients who typically struggle with impressions, X-rays, or tools placed near the throat.

Yes. Oral and IV sedation significantly reduce your awareness and physical reactivity, allowing you to undergo treatment without heightened sensitivity to needles, sounds, or dental equipment. Many patients remember little to nothing afterward, making future visits much easier.

Sedation allows your dentist to work more efficiently while you remain comfortable for an extended period. This makes it possible to complete multiple procedures—like fillings, extractions, or deep cleanings—in a single appointment, reducing your number of visits and overall anxiety.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear, anxiety, past trauma, or complex dental needs, sedation dentistry may be the right choice. Whether it’s been years since your last visit or you just want to feel more at ease, sedation can help you start fresh—comfortably.

Yes, it’s rare—Dr. Eric George is one of the few general dentists in Rhode Island licensed to provide IV sedation directly in-office. This allows patients to receive advanced, anxiety-free care without being referred out to specialists or surgical centers.

Scheduling is simple. Call our office or request an appointment online to begin with a personal consultation. We’ll review your health history, dental goals, and anxiety level to recommend the safest and most effective sedation option for you.

Banish dental pain and fear – your smile deserves it!

Get the comfortable dental work you need by scheduling an appointment today.

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