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.
😴 Tennessee Board Certified
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. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation so you can get the care you need completely relaxed.
Dandridge: (865) 397-5422
Jefferson City: (865) 475-8331
★★★★★
Trusted by thousands of anxious patients across East Tennessee"I was terrified of the dentist for 20 years. With sedation, I didn't feel a thing. I woke up and it was over. I actually cried — happy tears — because I finally had a smile I wasn't ashamed of."
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 ensures you're comfortable regardless.
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
Three Levels of Sedation. 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.
Why It Works
What Sedation Actually Does for You
Complete Relaxation
Whether you choose oral or IV sedation, you'll drift into a deep calm. Most patients say it feels like a short, peaceful nap — and wake up surprised it's already over.
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.
Little to No Memory of the Procedure
Most patients remember very little or nothing at all. No drills, no pressure, no anxiety — just deep relaxation while the work gets done.
Medically Safe & Monitored
Your vitals are continuously monitored throughout every sedation procedure. Our team is trained to manage any situation, 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 is available at both locations 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
Not every dentist is trained or certified to offer IV sedation. We are — and we've built our entire practice around making anxious patients feel safe.
Tennessee Board of Dentistry Certified
Our sedation dentist is certified by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for IV sedation — 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
During every IV sedation procedure your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate are continuously monitored. Your safety is never an assumption.
Right Here in East Tennessee
No referrals to Knoxville. No traveling to a hospital. All sedation procedures happen at our Dandridge and Jefferson City offices — close to home.
"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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ GoogleIV Sedation Certified — Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Oral & Nitrous Sedation Available at Both Locations
Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring During All Sedation
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 drift off while we take care of everything.
04
Wake Up, Walk Out, Wonder Why You Waited
You'll come around 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."
Common Questions
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Yes. Our IV sedation dentist is certified by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, which requires specific training, ongoing education, and safety protocols beyond a standard dental license. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout every sedation procedure. Millions of dental sedation procedures are performed safely every year.
It depends on the type of sedation. With nitrous oxide, you're fully awake but relaxed. With oral sedation, you're drowsy and responsive but deeply calm. With IV sedation, you're in a sleep-like state and will have little to no memory of the procedure — though you're technically not under general anesthesia. All three levels are different from the unconsciousness used in hospital surgeries.
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 all 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 the need for deeper sedation. 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.
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.
Same-week appointments · All sedation levels available · Financing available