Sedation Dentistry

We offer two types of sedation: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a small mask and produces a mild, euphoric relaxation. It wears off within minutes and you can drive yourself home. Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. It produces a deeper level of relaxation—you’ll be awake but may not remember much of the procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you.

No. With both nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you remain awake and responsive. You can hear and respond to the dentist, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed and may feel like time passes very quickly. Some patients with oral sedation have little memory of the procedure afterward. This is not general anesthesia—you breathe on your own and are in a conscious state.

Yes. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation have excellent safety profiles when administered by trained professionals. We review your complete medical history, current medications, and any allergies before recommending sedation. Your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. Sedation is safe for most healthy adults, though certain medical conditions may require modification.

Sedation is helpful for patients with: dental anxiety or phobia, a strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone, a low pain threshold, the need for extensive dental work in one visit, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or traumatic past dental experiences. If any of these describe you, ask us about sedation options.

Yes. Sedation can be combined with virtually any dental treatment—from routine cleanings to extractions, root canals, implants, and cosmetic procedures. Nitrous oxide is commonly used for shorter, simpler procedures, while oral sedation is typically recommended for longer or more involved treatments. We’ll match the sedation level to the procedure.

Nitrous oxide typically adds $50 to $100 to the cost of your visit. Oral sedation ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the medication and monitoring required. Some dental insurance plans cover sedation for certain procedures. We’ll discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises. For many anxious patients, the additional cost is more than worth the peace of mind.

For nitrous oxide, no special preparation is needed. For oral sedation: follow all medication instructions provided by our office, avoid eating for 6 hours before your appointment (water is okay), arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment, wear comfortable clothing, and plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day after your visit.