Comfort-Focused & Emergency Care
For the nervous, the overdue, and the “this really hurts right now.”
Sedation options for anxious patients and same-day care when something can’t wait — with clear guidance on what to do first.
In pain right now? Call or text 754-240-4820
Call or text us as early as you can and we’ll do our best to see you the same day.
Call or text 754-240-4820If the dentist makes you anxious
You’re far from alone, and you won’t be judged here — plenty of our patients haven’t been in years. Dental fear is common and real, and it’s usually built on a bad past experience. We move at your pace, explain everything before it happens, and offer comfort options so you can finally get the care you’ve been avoiding.
The hardest part is almost always the phone call. Once you’re here, we take it slowly, tell you what’s happening before we do anything, and stop the moment you need a break. Fear should never be the reason someone loses a tooth.
Sedation options, explained
We offer two levels of conscious sedation — you stay awake and able to respond, just relaxed. Both doctors are ACLS-certified and trained in sedation and airway safety, and we review your health history to choose the safest fit.
| Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) | Oral conscious sedation | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s given | Breathed through a small nose mask | A prescribed pill before your visit |
| How you feel | Light, calm, takes the edge off | Deeply relaxed, drowsy |
| Wears off | Within minutes | Hours — lingers after the visit |
| Need a driver? | No | Yes — a responsible adult |
| Best for | Mild nerves, shorter visits | Higher anxiety, longer visits |
Bleeding, swelling, a knocked-out tooth — the step-by-step for each is on our emergency care page. This page is about getting you through the visit comfortably.
A note from Dr. Dillon
If it’s been years since your last visit, you’re exactly who we built this practice for — and you won’t be judged here. I trained in sedation and airway safety under an anesthesiologist for one reason: so that fear never has to be why someone goes without care.
We’ll move at your pace, explain everything before it happens, and stop whenever you need to. The goal is simple — get you comfortable, and get you healthy again.
— Dr. Matthew Dillon, DDS, MAGD
In pain and worried about the bill? What an emergency visit costs, and what to expect when you arrive, are on our emergency care page.
Common misconceptions
- “If the pain stops, the problem is gone.” Sometimes pain fading means a nerve has died and an infection is brewing. Don’t assume you’re in the clear — get it checked.
- “The ER can fix my tooth.” ERs manage pain, infection, and trauma, but usually can’t restore the tooth. See a dentist for the actual repair.
- “Sedation means being put under.” Ours is conscious sedation — you stay awake and responsive, just relaxed.
- “A knocked-out tooth can’t be saved.” Often it can — if you act within the first hour and keep it moist.
- “I waited too long to be helped.” It’s rarely too late to improve things. We start from where you are, today.
Related reading
Related care
After we get you comfortable: restorative dentistry to repair a broken tooth, replacing a tooth that can’t be saved, and preventive care to stay ahead of the next surprise. New here? Start with a first visit.
Patient guides — how the decision is made
Doctor-reviewed guides that walk through the choices on this page in plain language:
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you take dental emergencies the same day?
We do our best to see urgent cases the same day. Call or text 754-240-4820 as early as you can and we'll get you in.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
It starts with a focused exam and any needed X-ray — typically a modest visit fee — and then we give you a clear price for any treatment before we do it. Cost should never be why you wait; ask us about financing and our in-house membership plan.
What sedation options do you offer?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Both doctors are ACLS-certified and trained in sedation and airway safety.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, when it's done by a trained team. Both of our doctors are ACLS-certified and trained in sedation and airway safety, and we monitor you throughout. We review your health history first to choose the safest option for you.
Will I be asleep with sedation?
No — we offer conscious sedation, not general anesthesia. You stay awake and able to respond, but relaxed and comfortable. Many patients remember little of the visit afterward.
Do I need someone to drive me after sedation?
With nitrous oxide, no — it wears off in minutes and you can drive yourself. With oral conscious sedation, yes — you'll need a responsible adult to drive you home.
I have severe dental anxiety — can you really help?
Yes, and you won't be judged. We go at your pace, explain everything before it happens, offer sedation, and stop whenever you need to. Fear should never be the reason someone goes without care — that's exactly who this practice is for.
I'm a new patient in pain — can you help?
Yes. Even if you've never seen us, we want to hear from you. Call or text and we'll do our best to help today.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 754-240-4820. La Dra. Shantall y nuestro equipo la atienden en español y harán lo posible por verla el mismo día.
Anxious, overdue, or in pain? We’re here.
Call or text 754-240-4820 as early as you can and we’ll do our best to help today.
Call or text 754-240-4820