Quality Sedation Dentistry in Honolulu

Young woman under dental sedation.

Do simple dental procedures, like crown placement, induce fear and anxiety in you or someone you love? At the dental practice of Stephen R. Ho, DDS, our sedation dentist offers tailored options that can the edge off dental treatments. We're privileged to offer various in-office sedation procedures that will help make each dental visit painless and productive, whether you're coming in for a simple cleaning or a more complicated procedure. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find out which sedation option is right for you.

We don't want anyone to avoid treatment because they're afraid of going to the dentist. Our goal is to maximize your comfort and improve your dental experience. Our friendly, professional staff is 100% committed to giving you a positive dental experience. You can rest assured that our team is dedicated to fostering a stress-free dental experience from the reception desk to the exam chair. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and get the Honolulu sedation dentistry you need!

CALL US: (808) 201-1863 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps patients relax during dental procedures by administering medication before the treatment. It is also known as "sleep dentistry," although the patient isn't made to sleep. Patients are usually awake during treatment but are often so relaxed that they aren't even aware of the treatment taking place.

Dr. Ho has been practicing sleep dentistry in Honolulu for more than 30 years. Dental sedation makes your visit less stressful and makes procedures go smoothly for you and our team. One of the most significant benefits is that you'll feel more confident during each visit and may even find your anxiety fades over time.

Our Sedation Dentistry Options

Our practice is proud to offer various forms of sedation dentistry. Depending on the procedure, specific sedation types are more appropriate than others. Before treatment can begin, our dentist will discuss your sedation options and what the process entails. He'll also answer your questions so you're fully informed during your visit. Our Honolulu sleep dentistry options include:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Sometimes called "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a minimal sedation option that will help you relax during your dental procedure. As a light sedation option, it keeps you awake and able to communicate. Our team will administer nitrous through a mask placed over your nose. When the procedure is finished, we'll flush the nitrous out of your system using oxygen. There are no side effects to this type of sedation, and you will be able to drive yourself home after your procedure.


Oral Conscious Sedation: Depending on the dose, oral conscious sedation can range from minimal to moderate sedation. You will take a pill about an hour before your procedure and may take one the night before as well. You may feel drowsy, but you normally won't fall asleep. You probably won't have any recollection of the dental procedure, and someone will need to drive you to and from the dental office for treatment. Our Honolulu oral sedation dentistry is only provided to our adult patients.


The Wand®: The Wand is a computer-assisted anesthesia solution for patients who fear needles. The Wand is significantly more comfortable than a syringe and reduces anxiety in our patients. Instead of using a single shot of anesthesia to numb an entire area of your smile, The Wand discreetly numbs an individual tooth by delivering a continuous flow of anesthesia.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Our dental team is here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your smile. Whether you'd like to know if sedation dentistry is safe or how long sedation lasts, our team is here for you. Some of the most frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry include:

Are dental sedation options safe for me?

Yes, it is safe. Our experienced and skilled team has treated countless patients and will closely monitor you during sedation to ensure a safe experience.

The duration of your sedation depends on numerous factors, including the type of sedation and the procedure you're undergoing. We'll always provide you with an appropriate amount of sedation and an estimated length of time you'll be sedated.

Sedation has minimal side effects, ranging from dry mouth to grogginess. Dr. Ho will discuss potential side effects in detail.

Honolulu Sleep Dentistry for You

At the dental practice of Stephen R. Ho, DDS, we're passionate about helping our patients have fear-free dental appointments. If you've been putting off a dental visit because of fear or anxiety, your Honolulu sedation dentist has a solution. We'll work together to plan treatment and choose a sedation method that's right for you. We aim to help you achieve optimum oral health and a beautiful smile without fear, pain, or anxiety. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and get the Honolulu sleep dentistry you deserve!

CALL US: (808) 201-1863 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

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