Everyone deserves a comfortable dental visit. At Sleep Dentistry of Portland & Vancouver, we provide compassionate, customized care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, sensory sensitivities, medical complexities, mobility challenges, or severe dental anxiety. Our team offers four levels of sedation—nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia (select cases)—so you, your loved one, or the person you support can receive care safely and comfortably.
Our approach is simple: listen first, plan together, and tailor care to each person’s needs without judgment.
Sleep Dentistry: Who We Help
- Adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other developmental disabilities.
- Adults with sensory sensitivities who prefer quiet rooms, dim lights, or minimal touch.
- People with strong gag reflexes, difficult numbing, or a history of traumatic dental experiences.
- Adults with medical conditions who benefit from a slower pace, additional monitoring, or coordinated care.
- Individuals with mobility or communication differences who need thoughtful accommodations.
If traditional care has been challenging, sedation dentistry for adults with special needs may make all the difference.
Our Sedation Options (Tailored to the Individual)
We choose the least‑invasive option that meets comfort and safety needs, based on health history, medications, and the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Light relaxation that works quickly and wears off fast. Helpful for cleanings, fillings, or imaging.
- Oral Sedation: A deeper sense of calm with a prescribed pill. You’ll feel drowsy and relaxed; an escort is required.
- IV Sedation: Adjustable and fast‑acting—ideal for longer or more complex visits, or when anxiety is high.
- General Anesthesia (Select Cases): You’re fully asleep and continuously monitored by trained professionals. Recommended for specific medical or behavioral needs.
Safety first. We review medical history and medications, obtain clear informed consent, coordinate with physicians or caregivers when appropriate, and continuously monitor vitals throughout care.
Our Sensory‑Friendly & Accessibility Accommodations
We work with caregivers, case managers, and support teams to create a predictable, calming experience:
- Pre‑visit planning: Short meet‑and‑greet, desensitization visits, or a virtual walkthrough of the process.
- Environment: Low‑stimulus rooms, adjustable lighting and sound, sunglasses, and noise‑reducing headphones.
- Communication: Simple, step‑by‑step explanations; visual supports; extra time; consistent providers when possible.
- Logistics: Flexible scheduling (first/last appointment of the day), private waiting, and mobility‑friendly access.
Tell us what helps—we’ll incorporate it into the plan.
What to Expect at Sleep Dentistry (Our Comfort‑First Process)
- Listening & Planning
Share goals, supports, triggers, and medical history. We outline sedation choices and decide on the least‑stressful path together. - Pre‑Visit Prep
Clear instructions for medications, fasting (if needed), and what to bring. We confirm escort/transport and review consent. - Day of Care
A familiar team member greets you. We minimize transitions, explain each step, and begin nitrous, oral, IV, or general anesthesia as planned, with continuous monitoring. - Recovery & Support
You’ll receive individualized aftercare instructions. We call to check in and schedule follow‑ups at comfortable times.
Treatments You Can Complete Under Sedation
- Preventive & Periodontal Care: Gentle cleanings, exams, X‑rays (with desensitization), and gum therapy.
- Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, CEREC® same‑day crowns & bridges, root canals, and dentures/partials.
- Oral Surgery: Comfortable extractions, including wisdom tooth removal when appropriate.
- Dental Implants: Single‑tooth, multi‑tooth, and full‑arch (All‑on‑X) solutions with guided planning.
Many services can be combined into one visit under IV sedation or general anesthesia to reduce the number of appointments.
Our 3D Imaging & Additional Technology
- 3D imaging and digital scans help us plan precisely and shorten chair time.
- CEREC® same‑day crowns allow single‑visit restorations in many cases.
- Digital X‑rays provide fast images with low radiation exposure.
Insurance, Costs & Easy Financing
We provide a transparent written estimate before any treatment. Coverage varies based on medical necessity, plan benefits, and sedation type; our team will help you understand your options.
No insurance? Ask about flexible monthly payments with Sunbit and CareCredit so cost doesn’t stand in the way of comfortable care.
Our Locations Near You
Choose the location that feels best:
- Portland, OR
- Vancouver, WA — West (convenient to Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Felida)
- Vancouver, WA — East (convenient to Cascade Park, Fishers Landing, Evergreen)
We’ll help coordinate the site that best fits the sedation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer sedation for adults with special needs?
Yes. We tailor sedation—nitrous, oral, IV, or general anesthesia—to each person’s needs and medical history.
How do you decide which sedation type is safest?
We review medical history, current medications, and procedure length/complexity. Our goal is the least‑invasive option that provides enough comfort.
Can you complete multiple procedures in one visit?
Often yes. Under IV sedation or GA, we can combine fillings, crowns, extractions, or implants into a single visit when appropriate.
What if we’ve had difficult dental experiences before?
We’ll go at your pace, keep explanations simple, and use desensitization visits or visual supports. Please tell us what helps, and we’ll work to meet your needs and the needs of your loved one.
Will insurance cover sedation?
Coverage depends on your plan and medical necessity. We’ll provide a clear estimate and help with benefits and pre‑authorization when needed.
Do you treat children?
This page focuses on adults. Please contact us to discuss individual cases so we can recommend the best fit.
Ready for a Calmer Dental Experience For Your Loved Ones?
Our goal is to always make your visit easier. We’ll meet you and your loved ones there with the right sedation option, a supportive team, and gentle technology to help you both smile with confidence.
