Dental Anxiety & Phobia
The sounds, smells, and bright lights trigger a panic response you can't control. Sedation quiets all of it. You'll feel calm before you even sit down.
😴 comprehensive sedation permit issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in Dandridge & Jefferson City, TN
If fear has kept you from the dentist for months, years, or decades - you're not alone, and you're not out of options. Patients travel from Knoxville, Morristown, Sevierville, and across East Tennessee for our sedation dentistry program. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation available.
Dandridge: (865) 397-5422
Jefferson City: (865) 475-8331
★★★★★
Trusted by thousands of anxious patients across East TennesseeModerate IV sedation can help appropriate patients feel calm and drowsy while remaining conscious and responsive. Many patients remember little of the procedure afterward.
We Understand
You're Not Alone in Avoiding the Dentist
Nearly 40% of adults experience dental anxiety. Elite Dental was built specifically for people who've been putting off care for any reason.
Past Traumatic Experiences
A painful procedure maybe years ago left a mark. You've avoided dentists ever since. We hear this every week. Sedation gives you a fresh start.
Strong Gag Reflex
Even routine cleanings feel impossible. Sedation significantly reduces the gag reflex, making procedures that felt unbearable completely manageable.
Difficulty Getting Numb
Some patients metabolize local anesthetics quickly or have tissue that's hard to numb. sedation may help you remain comfortable, depending on your health history and clinical needs.
Embarrassment About Your Teeth
Years of avoidance have taken a toll and you're ashamed to let anyone see. Our team is judgment-free we've seen it all and we're here to help, not judge.
Too Busy for Multiple Visits
Sedation lets us complete what might take 4–6 appointments in a single visit. It's the most efficient way to catch up on years of deferred care.
Your Options
Multiple Sedation Options. You Choose Your Comfort.
Every patient is different. We offer three sedation options so we can match the right level of relaxation to your anxiety, your procedure, and your preferences.
Not sure which level is right for you? Just call us and ask we'll talk through it.
A quick note about availability: sedation options vary by health history, procedure, provider schedule, and location. Our team will help determine the safest option for you before anything is scheduled.
Why It Works
What Sedation Actually Does for You
Complete Relaxation
Oral and moderate IV sedation can help you feel calm and drowsy while remaining conscious and responsive. Many patients remember little of the procedure afterward.
Years of Work in One Visit
Sedation lets us complete multiple procedures in a single appointment. What takes four visits can often be done in one so you can get caught up without endless trips.
limited memory of the Procedure
Most patients remember very little or nothing at all. You remain conscious and responsive while feeling calm and comfortable as the work gets done.
Medically Safe & Monitored
Your vitals are continuously monitored throughout every sedation procedure. Our team is trained in sedation monitoring and emergency protocols, so you're always in expert hands.
No More Putting It Off
Sedation breaks the avoidance cycle. Patients who've delayed care for years finally get the treatment they need and often wonder why they waited so long.
Affordable Options
Sedation options are planned case by case, with flexible financing through CareCredit and our Membership Club. Comfort doesn't have to be out of reach.
Why Choose Us
Sedation You Can Actually Trust
Moderate IV sedation requires specific training and a state-issued permit. Our approach is designed around careful evaluation, monitoring, and support for anxious patients.
Comprehensive Sedation Permit
Dr. George Johnson holds a comprehensive sedation permit from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry (License #8571), authorizing the administration of IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide. This is a rigorous credential that most general dentists do not hold.
Built for Anxious Patients, Not an Afterthought
Elite Dental was co-founded specifically to serve anxious patients. Sedation isn't a side service we added it's the reason this practice exists.
Continuous Vital Monitoring & Emergency Protocols
During every IV sedation procedure your blood pressure, oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry), and heart rate are continuously monitored. Emergency reversal agents (flumazenil and naloxone) are always on-site, and all sedation team members maintain current ACLS certification. Your safety is never an assumption.
Right Here in East Tennessee
Most sedation care can be planned close to home at our Dandridge and Jefferson City offices. The safest option depends on your health history, procedure, provider availability, and location.
"I have needed several teeth pulled and decided to have crowns placed. Dr. Johnson gave me medication before my appointment to relax me. I knew nothing and felt nothing throughout. I no longer have a fear of going to the dentist. In fact, I actually look forward to it!"
- Harold B. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ GoogleComprehensive Sedation Permit · Tennessee Board of Dentistry · License #8571
Nitrous, oral, and IV sedation options discussed case by case
Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring (Pulse Oximetry, BP, Heart Rate)
Emergency reversal agents maintained for sedation care
ADA & TDA Members All Doctors
In practice since 2007 Locally owned & operated
The Process
What to Expect: Step by Step
Here's exactly what a sedation appointment looks like no surprises.
01
Call & Tell Us About Your Anxiety
Just call and say you're anxious about dental visits. Our team hears this every day. We'll talk through your history, your concerns, and which sedation option makes sense for you no pressure.
02
Relaxed Consultation
We'll review your health history, take any needed X-rays, and create a treatment plan all at a pace that feels comfortable. You're in control of how fast we go.
03
Sedation Day: You Barely Have to Do Anything
For oral sedation you'll take a pill beforehand and arrive relaxed. For IV sedation we'll place a small IV and you'll be calm within seconds. Then you remain calm and responsive while we complete your care.
04
Recover, Head Home, and Rest
You will recover in our comfortable recovery area, often surprised the procedure is already over. A driver takes you home. Most patients tell us they wish they'd called sooner.
Real Stories
Patients Who Were Just Like You
These are real patients who came to us terrified and left with a reason to smile.
"I am 73 years old and have an extreme fear of dentists I was hurt as a child. Dr. Johnson changed all that. He gave me medication to take prior to my appointment to relax me. I knew nothing and felt nothing throughout the procedure. The crowns he had made fit perfectly, and I no longer have a fear of going to the dentist. In fact, I actually look forward to it!"
"I have been terrified of the dentist and had a lot of work that needed to be done. This included a bone graft, surgery, and fillings under five hours of IV sedation. Dr. Johnson did an amazing job, and Nikki and the whole staff have been absolutely wonderful! Everything has been nearly pain free! I'm more than grateful that I found the best place and staff to restore my dental health!"
"Do you fear going to the dentist? If you do, this is the place for you. Elite Dental is where you want to go not only because they offer sedation, but because they have the most up to date service. You are treated as a person, not just a number."
More Done Comfortably
Sedation for Larger Dental Needs
Sedation can be especially helpful when anxiety, time, or the amount of treatment needed has kept you from moving forward.
Delayed Dental Work
For patients who have put off treatment for years, sedation can make the first step feel possible again.
Extractions & Implant-Related Care
Comfort options can help with extractions, implant-related treatment, and longer appointments when appropriate.
Crowns & Full-Mouth Treatment
When several teeth need attention, sedation may allow us to complete more care in fewer visits.
Also at Elite Dental
Related Services
🦷
Dental Implants
Some implant patients choose sedation to help manage anxiety during treatment.
Learn more →🚨
Emergency Dentistry
Sedation is available for same-day emergency procedures.
Learn more →😁
Cosmetic Dentistry
Full smile makeovers are easier and more comfortable with sedation.
Learn more →
Common Questions
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Yes. Our IV sedation dentist holds a comprehensive sedation permit issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, with required training, ongoing education, and safety protocols. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout every sedation procedure.
It depends on the type of sedation. With nitrous oxide, you're fully awake but relaxed. With oral sedation, you are drowsy and responsive. With moderate IV sedation, you remain conscious and responsive while feeling calm and drowsy, and many patients remember little of the procedure. These options are not general anesthesia.
For nitrous oxide only, you can typically drive yourself home the effects wear off within minutes. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment. You'll also want someone to stay with you for a few hours afterward as the medication fully wears off.
Cost varies depending on the type and duration of sedation. Nitrous oxide is the most affordable option. Oral sedation falls in the middle. IV sedation is the most involved and priced accordingly. We'll give you a clear estimate before anything is scheduled. CareCredit financing and our Membership Club (15% off eligible treatment) are both available to help make it accessible.
Some insurance plans cover a portion of sedation costs, particularly when it's deemed medically necessary. Many plans, however, treat sedation as an elective add-on. We'll review your coverage and give you an honest picture of what to expect out of pocket before you commit to anything.
For IV sedation, you'll need to fast for a period before your appointment typically nothing to eat or drink (except water) for 6–8 hours beforehand. For oral sedation and nitrous, guidelines are less strict but we'll give you specific instructions when you schedule. Always follow the instructions we give you for your specific sedation type.
Nitrous oxide is safe and commonly used for children at our practice. It helps anxious young patients relax without stronger medication. For more complex pediatric cases, we'll discuss options during your child's consultation and always prioritize the safest approach for their age and health.
Your Safety Comes First
Sedation Safety & Transparency
Provider credentials: Dr. George F. Johnson III, DMD (Tennessee Dental License #8571) holds a comprehensive sedation permit issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, authorizing the administration of nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. All sedation team members maintain current ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification.
Monitoring protocols: During every sedation procedure, patients are continuously monitored using pulse oximetry (blood oxygen levels), non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, capnography (CO2 monitoring for IV sedation), and electrocardiography (heart rhythm). A dedicated team member monitors vitals throughout the entire procedure.
Emergency preparedness: Emergency reversal agents including flumazenil (benzodiazepine reversal) and naloxone (opioid reversal), emergency oxygen delivery systems, suction equipment, and emergency drug kits are maintained according to sedation protocols and Tennessee Board of Dentistry guidelines.
Potential risks: As with any medical procedure, sedation dentistry carries some risks. These may include nausea, drowsiness, headache, or temporary changes in blood pressure. Rare but serious risks include allergic reaction, respiratory depression, or cardiovascular complications. All risks are discussed during your pre-sedation evaluation, and a written consent form is reviewed and signed before any sedation is administered.
Not every patient is a candidate. Certain health conditions, medications, or allergies may make sedation inadvisable. Your medical history is carefully reviewed before any sedation is recommended. We will always recommend the safest approach for your individual situation.
Request a Sedation Consultation
Tell us where you prefer to be seen. If you wish, you may also indicate a comfort option you would like to discuss. A team member will follow up to explain the next step.
Serving All of East Tennessee
Sedation Dentistry Near Your City
Patients travel from across East Tennessee for our sedation program. Find information specific to your area.
Take the First Step
You Don't Have to Be Afraid Anymore
One phone call is all it takes. Tell us you're anxious that's it. We'll take care of everything else. No judgment. No pressure. Just the care you've been putting off, finally done right.
Sedation options vary by patient, procedure, provider schedule, and location · Financing available