A Calmer Way to Get the Dental Care You Need
Putting off dental visits because of fear, a sensitive gag reflex, or trouble sitting through longer procedures is more common than most people realize. The trouble is that skipped appointments rarely make a problem disappear. Small cavities turn into root canals, and routine cleanings turn into deeper gum treatment, all because the visit itself felt too hard to face.
At Atrium Dental, our sedation dentistry in Ahwatukee, AZ, gives anxious or sensitive patients a way to get the care they need without dreading the chair. Dr. Foroughi matches each patient to a sedation level that fits their comfort needs and the treatment ahead.
Issues Sedation Dentistry Helps With
- Dental fear or anxiety that has kept you from scheduling care
- A strong gag reflex that makes cleanings or impressions difficult
- Trouble getting numb with local anesthesia alone
- Several procedures that need to be finished in a single visit
- Longer treatments, such as wisdom tooth removal or full mouth reconstruction
- Limited mobility or difficulty sitting still through a full appointment
Meet Our Sedation Dentist
Dr. Shahyar “Sean” Foroughi, DDS
Anxious patients throughout Ahwatukee turn to Dr. Shahyar “Sean” Foroughi, D.D.S., who has practiced locally for more than 25 years. He studied at USC before earning his DDS from UCSF, and completed further training at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in Texas.
Before recommending a dental anxiety treatment, Dr. Foroughi reviews your health history, anxiety level, and the treatment you need, so the plan fits you rather than the other way around.
Arizona License: 5717 | NPI: 1659460202
Services provided by an Arizona-licensed general dentist.
What Our Ahwatukee Patients Say
Our Sedation Dentistry Process
Consultation and Health Review
We go over your medical history, current medications, and anxiety level to see which sedation option fits your case.
Choosing Your Sedation Option
Together, we decide between nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation based on your comfort needs and the treatment planned.
Sedation and Treatment
You're monitored closely from the moment sedation begins through the full course of your treatment.
Monitoring and Recovery
We check in as the sedation wears off and go over any recovery instructions, including arranging a ride home if needed.
Related Services We Offer
Sedation Dentistry Options and Candidates
| Sedation Type | Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation | IV Sedation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mild anxiety, quick or routine procedures | Moderate anxiety or longer appointments | Significant anxiety, extensive or combined procedures |
| How It Works | A soft mask delivers a gas and oxygen blend that helps you relax while staying fully aware | A prescribed pill taken before your visit brings on a calm, drowsy state | Sedative medication is delivered through a vein and adjusted throughout treatment |
| How Long It Lasts | Wears off within minutes of removing the mask | Several hours, depending on the dose | Effects fade gradually over a few hours |
| Recovery | None needed | Rest of the day recommended | Rest of the day, with some grogginess |
| Driving Restriction | Not required | Required | Required |
Dr. Foroughi confirms which type fits your case at your consultation. Our sedation is designed to keep you comfortable while allowing you to breathe on your own throughout treatment. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you typically stay aware and responsive; with IV sedation, you may be more deeply relaxed and remember less of the visit. All of this differs from general anesthesia, which makes you fully unconscious and is used in hospital or oral surgery settings, not routine visits.
