Sedation Dentist Portland OR: West Hills Dental Center

“As a General Dentist it is my job to know all areas of dentistry from Orthodontics to Oral Surgery. In a world where Cosmetics are important it is just as important that I present you with well rounded treatment options that are in your best interest”
Dr Steven Little

At West Hills Family Dental Center we have all levels of Sedation Dentistry available to you, including general anesthesia.

Every year Dr. Little and our clinical team spend many hours upgrading their skills and knowledge. We don’t practise “yesterday’s dentistry”, and the services we recommend to our patients will always be the latest, the best and the most appropriate.

Meet Dr Steven Little
In 1983 Dr. Little began working with ceramics and in 1987 received his Dental Laboratory Certificate. Having worked and studied with world renowned Doctors and Technicians and having been exposed to dentistry at the highest level; prompted him to return to school and graduate from OHSU with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Little has earned many Certificates which enable him to treat many dental needs from Oral Surgery and Implants to Orthopedics for Children. His latest training is in both Oral and IV Sedation. He is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and maintains Level III Sedation credentials.
Sedation Dentistry

There are three levels of Fear free Sedation Dentistry available - from taking a mild sleeping pill to IV Sedation. The Oregon Dental Association requires that Doctors have different "permits" for these levels of Sedation. Unlike Dr. Little, very few Dentists are licensed to do all three. There is just a handful in the Portland Metro area.

Generally level one consists of laughing gas or nitrous oxide. Level two allows for the administration of pills possibly in conjunction with laughing gas. Level three is the direct administration of drugs intravenously and / or pills and laughing gas.

“I am partial to the level three. This type is the most predictable and our patients like the fact that it is safer.”
Dr Steven Little

Deep sedation (level three) is about three times more effective than with pills alone. Dr. Little recommends an IV to most of his patients. This is because administering drugs directly to your system can give you the perfect dose for your needs. It is safer because we are able to immediately monitor your level so the dose is tailor-made for you. Furthermore we have reversal drugs that can be used immediately, if necessary.