Restore Dental. Trusted Dentist located in Leawood, KS.

Sedation Dentistry

Restore Dental. Trusted Dentist located in Leawood, KS.

Sedation Dentistry

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Sedation Dentistry

Stress-Free Care at

Restore Dental

If the mere thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair stirs up feelings of discomfort or panic, please know that you are not alone. Dental anxiety is an incredibly common experience, often rooted in past traumatic visits, a fear of pain, or the feeling of vulnerability that comes with being in the dental chair. At Restore Dental, we recognize that these fears are real and can feel overwhelming, but we believe they should never stand in the way of the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.


Dr. Johnna Thomas brings a uniquely compassionate perspective to our practice; with a degree in psychology and a genuine passion for helping anxious patients, she is dedicated to providing a completely judgment-free environment. Whether your anxiety comes from a fear of the unknown or feeling embarrassed about your current dental health, Dr. Thomas will work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. To help you overcome these hurdles, we are proud to offer oral sedation—a gentle, effective solution designed to quiet your mind and body, ensuring your next visit is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Sedation Dentistry

Stress-Free Care at Restore Dental -

If the mere thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair stirs up feelings of discomfort or panic, please know that you are not alone. Dental anxiety is an incredibly common experience, often rooted in past traumatic visits, a fear of pain, or the feeling of vulnerability that comes with being in the dental chair. At Restore Dental, we recognize that these fears are real and can feel overwhelming, but we believe they should never stand in the way of the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.


Dr. Johnna Thomas brings a uniquely compassionate perspective to our practice; with a degree in psychology and a genuine passion for helping anxious patients, she is dedicated to providing a completely judgment-free environment. Whether your anxiety comes from a fear of the unknown or feeling embarrassed about your current dental health, Dr. Thomas will work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. To help you overcome these hurdles, we are proud to offer oral sedation—a gentle, effective solution designed to quiet your mind and body, ensuring your next visit is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Strategies to Manage Dental Anxiety

Taking the first step toward a healthier smile is much easier when you have the right tools to manage your nerves. Whether you are navigating your own dental fears or helping your child feel brave for their first check-up, there are several effective strategies to turn a stressful appointment into a positive experience. From simple relaxation techniques to advanced sedation options, here is how we can work together to ensure comfort for your entire family.

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Gradual Exposure

Start with a simple check-up to build trust and familiarity with your dentist.

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Relaxation Techniques

Practice deep breathing, meditation, or listen to calming music during your visit.

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Bring a Friend

Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you can provide emotional support.

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Sedation

Dr. Thomas offers different sedation options to accommodate your specific needs.

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Communicate with Your Dentist

Don’t hesitate to discuss your fears with your dentist, who can tailor their approach to make you feel more comfortable.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a type of sedative administered in the form of a pill to help patients relax during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide may be used in conjunction, if deemed necessary by Dr. Johnna. It’s part of sedation dentistry, a practice aimed at easing patient anxiety, ensuring comfort, and allowing the dentist to perform treatments effectively. Oral sedatives are typically prescribed in a low dosage. Common medications include diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), and triazolam (Halcion).


These medications act on your central nervous system, promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation. While under oral sedation, you’ll feel deeply relaxed but remain conscious and responsive to your dentist’s instructions. Most patients report feeling drowsy and may have little recollection of the procedure afterward—a welcome side effect for those with intense dental anxiety.

A Worry-Free Experience from Start to Finish

Oral sedation is a game-changer for anyone who has ever felt nervous about sitting in the dental chair. The most significant benefit is the sheer ease of the process: by simply taking a pill, you can bypass the needles and IVs that often trigger anxiety, making it a dream come true for those with dental phobias. This high level of comfort doesn't just make the visit more pleasant; it makes it more productive. Because you are completely relaxed, Dr. Thomas can work more efficiently and often complete several treatments in just one appointment, saving you valuable time and extra trips to the office. Best of all, most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This "amnesic" effect is a wonderful benefit, as it helps break the cycle of dental fear and makes it much easier to feel confident about coming back for future care.


Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Before we begin, Dr. Thomas will sit down with you to review your health history, making sure oral sedation is the right, gentle fit for you. During your visit, our team will be right by your side every step of the way, keeping a close eye on you to ensure you feel perfectly relaxed, safe, and looked after. It’s all about making sure you have a smooth, worry-free experience from start to finish.

A Worry-Free Experience from

Start to Finish

Oral sedation is a game-changer for anyone who has ever felt nervous about sitting in the dental chair. The most significant benefit is the sheer ease of the process: by simply taking a pill, you can bypass the needles and IVs that often trigger anxiety, making it a dream come true for those with dental phobias. This high level of comfort doesn't just make the visit more pleasant; it makes it more productive. Because you are completely relaxed, Dr. Thomas can work more efficiently and often complete several treatments in just one appointment, saving you valuable time and extra trips to the office. Best of all, most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This "amnesic" effect is a wonderful benefit, as it helps break the cycle of dental fear and makes it much easier to feel confident about coming back for future care.


Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Before we begin, Dr. Thomas will sit down with you to review your health history, making sure oral sedation is the right, gentle fit for you. During your visit, our team will be right by your side every step of the way, keeping a close eye on you to ensure you feel perfectly relaxed, safe, and looked after. It’s all about making sure you have a smooth, worry-free experience from start to finish.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Sedation?

Dental fear and anxiety affect millions of people. While oral sedation is widely used to calm anxious patients, it isn’t reserved solely for those with phobias. This technique can be life-changing for a diverse group of individuals, including those who experience heightened sensitivity or complex treatment needs.

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Patients Struggling with Dental Anxiety

If your anxiety about visiting the dentist stops you from seeking care, oral sedation offers relief. Sedation can transform your perception of dental visits into positive ones.

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Patients with a Strong Gag Reflex

A strong gag reflex can make dental work challenging—not just for the patient but for the dentist as well. Oral sedation relaxes your body, reducing involuntary gagging and allowing the dentist to work efficiently.

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Individuals Requiring Long or Complex Procedures

Sitting through a lengthy dental procedure, such as root canals or multiple extractions, can be taxing. Oral sedation not only eases your anxiety but also makes it feel like time flies by.

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Those with a Low Pain Threshold

Some people are more sensitive to dental discomfort than others. Oral sedation helps desensitize you, minimizing the discomfort that can often arise even during routine procedures.

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People with Sensitive Teeth

For those with hypersensitivity, even the lightest touch can feel uncomfortable or painful. Oral sedation helps dull these sensations, enabling you to receive proper care without distress.

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Patients with Special Needs

For individuals with physical or cognitive impairments, sedation can be a helpful tool to make dental visits more comfortable and manageable.

What to Expect

  • Preparation: Ahead of your procedure, your dentist will provide specific instructions. Because it induces drowsiness, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy meals before taking the sedative.


  • During Your Appointment: Once the sedation takes effect, you’ll feel deeply relaxed. While you’re fully awake, the stress and tension will melt away, allowing you to focus solely on staying calm.


  • Aftercare: Since oral sedation may make you feel groggy for a few hours after your appointment, plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. Most patients wake up the next morning feeling completely normal.

What to Expect

  • Preparation: Ahead of your procedure, your dentist will provide specific instructions. Because it induces drowsiness, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy meals before taking the sedative.


  • During Your Appointment: Once the sedation takes effect, you’ll feel deeply relaxed. While you’re fully awake, the stress and tension will melt away, allowing you to focus solely on staying calm.


  • Aftercare: Since oral sedation may make you feel groggy for a few hours after your appointment, plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. Most patients wake up the next morning feeling completely normal.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

  • Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

    If you’ve been avoiding dental care due to fear, sensitivity, or the complexity of a recommended procedure, oral sedation might be an ideal solution. During your consultation, be transparent about your concerns, medical history, and specific needs. Dr. Johnna will help tailor the sedation process to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. It’s particularly effective for those who need extensive dental work.

  • How Long Does the Sedation Last?

    The duration of sedation can vary depending on the type used. Minimal sedation may wear off in a few hours, whereas others could take a day to fully recover.

  • Are There Any Side Effects?

    Most side effects are minor and may include dizziness, dry mouth, or nausea. These usually subside shortly after the procedure. Dr. Johnna Thomas will go over any potential risks and how to manage them.

  • What Should I Do Before My Appointment?

    Dr. Johnna will provide specific instructions based on the type of sedation you’ll be receiving. Generally, you may be advised to avoid food and drink for a certain period before your appointment.

  • How Should I Prepare for Recovery?

    Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and take it easy for the rest of the day. Follow any post-operative care instructions given by Dr. Johnna Thomas to ensure a smooth recovery.

  • Is it Safe?

    Absolutely—when administered under the watchful eye of a trained dental professional, oral sedation is a safe, reliable option. Dr. Johnna Thomas will carefully evaluate your medical history and overall health to ensure this method is right for you. Safety is always top priority.

Compassionate Care for Your Peace of Mind

At Restore Dental, we believe that dental anxiety should never stand in the way of your health, and it is never too late to start prioritizing yourself again. Dr. Johnna Thomas, who holds a degree in psychology, understands that fears, whether rooted in a loss of control, the fear of pain, or even embarrassment over past neglect, are deeply personal and valid. We invite you to take the first step toward stress-free care by scheduling a consultation where we can discuss your specific concerns in a completely judgment-free environment. By utilizing oral sedation and establishing clear communication, such as a "stop signal" during procedures, we ensure you remain in total control of your experience. Your smile deserves professional care, and we are dedicated to moving at a pace that keeps you comfortable, confident, and empowered throughout your journey back to health.

Compassionate Care for Your

 Peace of Mind

At Restore Dental, we believe that dental anxiety should never stand in the way of your health, and it is never too late to start prioritizing yourself again. Dr. Johnna Thomas, who holds a degree in psychology, understands that fears, whether rooted in a loss of control, the fear of pain, or even embarrassment over past neglect, are deeply personal and valid. We invite you to take the first step toward stress-free care by scheduling a consultation where we can discuss your specific concerns in a completely judgment-free environment. By utilizing oral sedation and establishing clear communication, such as a "stop signal" during procedures, we ensure you remain in total control of your experience. Your smile deserves professional care, and we are dedicated to moving at a pace that keeps you comfortable, confident, and empowered throughout your journey back to health.

The Restore Dental Difference

Take the first step toward a healthier smile by calling us today at (913) 599-9173 or by scheduling your appointment online!

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