Dental anxiety affects millions of people and keeps many of them from getting the care they need. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we understand that visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming, and we offer comprehensive sedation dentistry options through our general dentistry practice so you can receive the care you need while feeling calm, safe, and in control.
Dr. Andy Kim is a Burien sedation dentist committed to creating a positive experience for every patient. Our sedation options make even longer procedures like wisdom teeth removal or dental implant placement comfortable, so you can focus on getting healthy rather than getting through the appointment.
Sedation dentistry uses carefully chosen medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. This approach allows people with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, strong gag reflexes, or difficulty sitting still for extended periods to receive comprehensive dental care in a calm, stress-free environment. Our sedation options range from comfortable, conscious relaxation to deeper sedation, depending on your individual needs and the complexity of your treatment.
The benefits of sedation dentistry extend beyond anxiety relief. Patients often experience reduced memory of the procedure, decreased gag reflex, and the ability to complete multiple treatments in a single visit. This efficiency is especially valuable for extensive procedures or when addressing several dental concerns at once. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we offer two sedation options: oral conscious sedation and IV sedation.
For patients with moderate anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures, oral conscious sedation is a straightforward, highly effective option. You take a prescribed medication about an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you feel deeply relaxed, drowsy, and calm. You remain awake and able to respond to instructions, but you’ll likely remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward.
Because the effects last several hours, you’ll need a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for the first few hours of recovery. Oral sedation is a strong choice for longer appointments, moderate to significant dental anxiety, and patients who want deeper relaxation than lighter options can provide.
IV sedation offers the deepest level of sedation available in our office. Sedative medication is delivered through a small IV line, allowing the effects to begin almost immediately and giving Dr. Kim precise control over the sedation level throughout your procedure. Most patients describe the experience as a pleasant, dreamlike state where time passes quickly and memory of the procedure is limited or absent.
IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, those undergoing complex oral surgery, or anyone who prefers the deepest comfortable sedation available. As with oral sedation, you’ll need a driver and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure for maximum safety.
Sedation dentistry serves patients with a wide range of needs. Those with dental phobias often find that sedation allows them to receive routine preventive care and necessary treatments they might otherwise put off for years. Patients with sensitive teeth or gums benefit from the reduced discomfort sedation provides during procedures.
People with a strong gag reflex find sedation particularly helpful during treatments involving the back teeth or taking impressions. Patients requiring extensive work can often complete multiple procedures in a single sedated appointment, reducing both the total number of visits and the cumulative stress of ongoing treatment.
Before recommending any sedation option, Dr. Kim reviews your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions to make sure sedation is safe and effective for you. Most healthy adults are strong candidates for sedation dentistry, though certain medical conditions may require modifications or a different approach.
We’ll talk through your anxiety level, past dental experiences, and treatment goals to decide which sedation method fits best. Our team monitors your vital signs throughout any sedated procedure to keep you safe and comfortable from start to finish.
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth sedation experience. For oral or IV sedation appointments, you’ll receive specific instructions about eating, drinking, and medication timing before your visit. You’ll need to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from the office and plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arriving a few minutes early to handle any last paperwork. Our team will provide detailed post-procedure instructions tailored to the specific sedation option and treatment you received.
Patient safety is our top priority during every sedated procedure. Dr. Kim has advanced training in sedation dentistry and follows strict protocols to protect your wellbeing from the moment you arrive. We continuously monitor your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the appointment.
Our office maintains emergency equipment and medications as part of our standard protocol. The sedation medications we use have strong safety profiles when administered by trained professionals in a controlled clinical setting, which is why sedation dentistry has become such a trusted part of modern practice.
Many dental treatments are more comfortable with sedation, especially those that require extended time in the chair. Complex procedures like full mouth restorations or placement of multiple crowns often benefit from sedation to keep you comfortable throughout longer treatment times.
Even routine procedures like deep cleaning can be enhanced with sedation for patients with heightened sensitivity or anxiety. Our goal is making sure every patient receives the care they need in the most comfortable way possible.
Recovery from sedation dentistry depends on the type and depth of sedation used. Patients who receive oral or IV sedation may feel drowsy for several hours and should plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.
We provide clear aftercare instructions and contact information in case any questions come up during your recovery. Most patients report feeling rested and genuinely pleased with their comfortable dental experience, and many schedule future visits knowing that anxiety no longer has to stand between them and good care.
Don’t let dental anxiety stand between you and a healthy smile. Dr. Andy Kim and our team have helped many patients across Burien, Normandy Park, Seahurst, Des Moines, and the surrounding area overcome their fears through compassionate care and effective oral and IV sedation options. We take time to understand your concerns and customize our approach to fit your individual comfort level.
If you’ve been avoiding dental care because of fear, anxiety, or past negative experiences, sedation dentistry can change that. Contact us today at (206) 246-3222 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation and see how a comfortable, calm dental visit can feel.
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we follow strict safety protocols and continuously monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Before recommending sedation, Dr. Andy reviews your medical history, medications, and health conditions. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including drowsiness, dry mouth, or slight dizziness resolving within a few hours. Serious complications are extremely rare when sedation is administered by qualified dental professionals.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) typically costs $80 to $200 per hour and is the most affordable option for mild anxiety. Oral conscious sedation ranges from $250 to $500 per appointment, providing deeper relaxation for moderate anxiety or longer treatments. Most dental insurance plans consider sedation elective, though exceptions exist for oral surgery or patients with special needs. We offer Cherry financing to help make sedation accessible.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a mild sedative inhaled through a nose mask taking effect within minutes and wears off in 15 to 30 minutes, allowing you to drive home afterward. It’s ideal for mild to moderate anxiety and shorter procedures. Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment, producing deeper relaxation where you may have little memory of the procedure. The effects last several hours, and you’ll need someone to drive you home. Dr. Andy will help you choose the best option for your needs.
No. With the sedation options we offer, you remain conscious and can respond to instructions. With nitrous oxide, you stay fully alert while feeling relaxed. With oral sedation, you feel very drowsy and may drift in and out of light sleep, but you can still be awakened. Many patients describe it as a “twilight” state where time passes quickly. You won’t feel pain because local anesthesia numbs the area being treated. Complete unconsciousness (general anesthesia) is different and typically reserved for hospital settings.
If you receive nitrous oxide only, yes. The effects wear off within 15 to 30 minutes and you can drive and resume normal activities immediately. If you receive oral sedation, you cannot drive and must arrange for a responsible adult to transport you. You should not drive for 24 hours after oral sedation, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Make transportation arrangements before your appointment to avoid rescheduling.
Sedation can be used for virtually any dental procedure, from routine cleanings to complex oral surgery. Common procedures enhanced by sedation include wisdom teeth extractions, crown preparations, multiple fillings, deep cleanings, and dental implant placement. Dr. Andy can perform multiple treatments during a single sedated appointment, minimizing the number of visits required. This approach aligns with our conservative, preventative philosophy of getting the most done comfortably so you can focus on maintaining your oral health.
Dr. Andy Kim
Dedicated to providing quality dental care with a focus on patient comfort, advanced treatments, and long-lasting healthy smiles.
Dr. Payal Patel
Passionate about creating confident smiles with personalized orthodontic treatments, ensuring patients achieve perfect.
Dr. Jane Chang
Focused on enhancing smiles with advanced cosmetic procedures, from teeth whitening to veneers, for a radiant, natural look.
We make quality dental care affordable with flexible payment options.
We are in-network with Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, Guardian, Ameritas Dental, United Concordia, United Healthcare Dental, Humana Dental, Principal Financial Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Principal Dental. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at (206) 246-3222 to discuss your insurance coverage or financing options.
Burien Signature Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Burien, WA. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and preventative approach delivers lasting results.
Looking for an experienced dentist in Burien, WA? Dr. Andy Kim and our team at Burien Signature Dentistry provide quality general and cosmetic dental care to patients throughout the Burien area, including Normandy Park, Seahurst, Des Moines, Tukwila, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, White Center, Riverton Heights, and throughout South King County. Our office welcomes new patients and offers convenient scheduling to fit your busy life. No referral needed – you can schedule directly with our caring team.
Enjoy a FREE Consultation on your first visit! Let our expert team help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Enjoy a FREE Consultation on your first visit! Let our expert team help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
