Start Where You Are. We’ll Take It from There.

If just thinking about the dentist makes your heart race, you’re not the only one. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and it can keep people away from care for years.

Maybe it’s been a while since your last visit; or maybe you’re just facing a procedure you’re nervous about – either way, we’re here to make your experience easier with thoughtful, judgment-free care at a pace that works for you.

Our Sedation Options

We offer two safe, effective sedation methods to help you feel more at ease during your visit, whether you’re just getting a checkup or need more complex dental work.

If you need Dr. Dooley to walk you through every step, give you time to breathe, or just offer a hand to hold – we’re here for that too.

Oral Conscious Sedation (Halcion)
  • Taken as a pill about an hour before your visit
  • Eases anxiety while keeping you awake and responsive.
  • Many patients remember little to nothing afterward
  • Effects last several hours – you’ll need a ride home
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)
  • Inhaled through a small mask during your visit
  • Helps you feel relaxed within minutes
  • Wears off quickly once the mask is removed
  • Safe enough to drive yourself home afterward

What to Expect at Your Visit

We’ll walk you through everything ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. Here’s how we help create a calmer experience:

  1. Personalized Consultation
    We’ll talk through your health history, what you’re nervous about, and how you’d like to feel during your visit.
  2. Comfort Touches
    You’re welcome to bring headphones and listen to your favorite music. We also offer blankets and neck pillows for sensory comfort.
  3. Your Treatment
    You’ll receive your chosen form of sedation before we start your dental work. We’ll check in regularly and monitor you closely to keep you comfortable the whole way through.
  4. Aftercare
    For oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward. If you had nitrous, you’re usually fine to resume normal activities right away.

Is Sedation Right for Me?

Sedation dentistry might be a good fit if you:

  • Feel anxious or fearful about dental care
  • Have had negative past dental experiences
  • Struggle with a strong gag reflex
  • Need a longer or more complex treatment
  • Have sensory sensitivities or difficulty sitting still

Compassionate Dental Care, Close to Home

Dr. Scott Dooley has been serving the Garland community with calm, patient-first dentistry for years. Our team understands how deeply fear and anxiety can affect your experience. With advanced technology, a gentle approach, and clear communication, we’re here to make going to the dentist feel doable again.

Meet Dr. Dooley

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or avoid the dentist due to fear, you’re likely a candidate. We’ll go over your health history and walk you through your options during your consultation.

Nitrous is mild, fast-acting, and wears off quickly, ideal for lighter anxiety or shorter visits. Oral sedation (Halcion) provides a deeper level of relaxation and lasts longer, making it a better fit for longer or more complex treatments.

Yes. Both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are widely used, low-risk options. We’ll carefully review your medical history to make sure sedation is safe and appropriate for you.

You can drive yourself home after nitrous oxide. However, if you choose oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you while the medication wears off.

The scott dooley dentistry team

Compassionate Dental Care, Close to Home

You don’t have to push through fear or discomfort to take care of your smile. Let’s move forward in a way that feels right for you.

2645 Arapaho Rd. Suite 113 Garland, TX 75044

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