Dental Care Should
Never Feel Frightening
Dental anxiety is real — and one of the most common reasons people avoid care until a small problem becomes a serious one. At Bublik Dental, Dr. Bublik and Dr. Shepard offer multiple levels of sedation so every patient can receive the treatment they need, comfortably and without fear.
Dental Anxiety Is More Common Than You Think
An estimated 36% of Americans experience dental anxiety, and up to 12% avoid dental care entirely because of fear. If this is you, please know — there is no judgment here, and there is a solution. Sedation dentistry exists so that people like you can get the care they deserve without experiencing fear, pain, or distress.
Sedation Dentistry Is for You If…
You don’t have to have severe phobia to benefit from sedation. Many patients simply want to be more relaxed, more comfortable, or to get more done in a single visit.
Dental Anxiety or Phobia
Any level of fear or apprehension about dental visits — from mild nervousness to severe phobia
Fear of Needles
Sedation can be administered before anesthesia injections so you don’t feel or remember them
Strong Gag Reflex
Sedation relaxes the gag reflex, making impressions and back-of-mouth work far more comfortable
Lengthy or Complex Procedures
Multiple extractions, implant placement, or bone grafting are much more tolerable with sedation
Sensitive Teeth or Nerves
Patients who have difficulty getting fully numb with local anesthesia alone benefit from added sedation
Special Needs or Cognitive Conditions
Patients who have difficulty sitting still or cooperating due to cognitive, neurological, or physical conditions
Four Levels of Sedation — Matched to Your Needs
Not all sedation is the same. Dr. Bublik or Dr. Shepard will recommend the level that best matches your anxiety, the complexity of your procedure, and your medical history.
The Foundation of Pain-Free Dentistry
Local anesthesia is injected into the treatment area to completely numb the nerves. You remain fully awake and aware but feel no pain — only pressure and movement. This is the baseline for every procedure, with other sedation levels added on top as needed.
Laughing Gas — Fast, Gentle, and Reversible
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose. Within minutes you’ll feel a warm, relaxed sensation. You remain conscious and can respond to Dr. Bublik or Dr. Shepard throughout the procedure. When the mask is removed, the effects wear off in minutes — the only sedation option where you can safely drive yourself home afterward.
A Pill That Takes the Edge Off — Completely
A prescription sedative is taken approximately one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel deeply drowsy and relaxed. You remain conscious and can follow instructions, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This is an excellent option for moderate to significant dental anxiety.
Because oral sedation impairs your coordination and judgment, a responsible adult must drive you to and from your appointment.
Deep Relaxation for Complex Cases or Severe Anxiety
IV sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through a small IV line. The onset is rapid and the depth of sedation is carefully controlled. You’ll be in a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state with no memory of the procedure. Vital signs are monitored continuously throughout. Dr. Shepard’s board-certified OMS training and Dr. Bublik’s hospital-based anesthesia experience make this the safest possible setting for IV sedation outside of a hospital.
A responsible adult driver is required, and you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day.
What to Expect When You Choose Sedation
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your appointment removes the unknowns — which is often what causes anxiety in the first place.
Before Your Appointment
For oral or IV sedation, you’ll receive specific fasting instructions — typically nothing to eat or drink for 6–8 hours beforehand. Arrange your driver in advance. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and take any pre-prescribed medications as directed.
When You Arrive
Tell our team about any anxiety you’re feeling — there’s no judgment, and it helps us make sure you’re comfortable before we begin. Sedation will be administered and we’ll wait until you feel the full effects before starting any treatment.
During the Procedure
Your comfort and safety are monitored throughout. For IV sedation, vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are continuously tracked. Both Dr. Bublik and Dr. Shepard are trained to manage all levels of sedation safely.
After Your Appointment
For nitrous oxide, you’ll feel normal within minutes. For oral or IV sedation, your driver will take you home and you should rest for the day. Grogginess, mild nausea, and spotty memory of the procedure are normal and temporary.
How We Keep You Safe During Sedation
Sedation is very safe when administered by trained professionals following established protocols. Here’s what Dr. Bublik and Dr. Shepard do to protect every sedation patient.
Two Surgeons. One Goal — Your Comfort.
Dr. Jan Bublik and Dr. William (Duncan) Shepard bring a depth of surgical and anesthesia training that goes far beyond what a typical dental practice can offer. When it comes to sedation, you’re in uniquely qualified hands.
Dr. Bublik — Hospital Anesthesia Training
Oral surgical training at University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center includes hospital-based sedation and anesthesia management
Dr. Shepard — ABOMS Board-Certified
Diplomate of the American Board of OMS; Chief Resident training at UAB includes full-scope surgical anesthesia
ICOI Diplomate (Dr. Bublik)
Elite surgical designation requiring advanced clinical standards in implantology and related surgical care
Patient-Centered Philosophy
No judgment, no rushing — your comfort and safety drive every decision we make
Sedation Dentistry FAQ
Click any question to read the answer.
Ready to Stop Avoiding the Care You Need?
Call our office or book online. Dr. Bublik and Dr. Shepard will talk through your options — with no judgment and no pressure. You deserve comfortable dental care.