Sedation Dentistry Options

Our Sedation Options

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): you breathe a mild gas through a small mask. It works quickly, wears off fast and usually lets you drive yourself home.
• Oral sedation: a pill taken before your visit helps you feel deeply relaxed. You will need someone to take you home.
• IV sedation: medication is given through a vein for a deeper level of relaxation. You will need an escort home and a quiet rest afterward.

Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your anxiety, your health and the treatment you need.

Who Can Benefit?

• Patients with dental anxiety or fear.
• Patients with a strong gag reflex.
• Patients who find it hard to sit still for long.
• Patients having longer or more involved procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal or implants.
• Patients with a sensitive mouth or past bad experiences.

How We Choose the Right Option

We review your health history, medications and any allergies, discuss how you feel about treatment and explain your choices. Not everyone is a candidate for every type of sedation, so being honest about your health helps us keep you safe.

Your Sedation Visit Step by Step

• Consultation: we discuss your concerns and recommend an option.
• Preparation: we give you instructions about eating, drinking and medications.
• Treatment: you receive sedation and local anesthetic, and we monitor you throughout.
• Recovery: you rest until you are ready to go, and we give you aftercare instructions.

Sedation for Common Treatments

Sedation can make many treatments easier, from root canal therapy and extractions to fillings and gum treatment. Ask us whether it is a good fit for your procedure.

Safety and Monitoring

Your comfort and safety come first. We monitor you during treatment and follow safe sedation practices. Tell us about your health, medications and allergies so we can plan carefully.

Sedation for Children and Teens

Some children need extra support to cope with dental treatment. If your child is very anxious or needs longer treatment, talk to us. We will explain the safest options for their age and health, and we will go at your child's pace.

Talking About Your Fears

Many patients feel embarrassed about their fear, but dental anxiety is very common. Sharing what worries you, whether it is needles, noise, gagging or a past bad experience, helps us tailor your visit. You are always in control, and you can ask us to pause at any time.

Combining Sedation With Gentle Techniques

Sedation works best alongside good communication. We explain each step, use gentle techniques and make sure the area is fully numb before we begin. Together, these steps help even very anxious patients complete the care they need.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Sedation

Ask how you will feel, how long the effects last, whether you need someone to drive you and what you should do before and after your visit. Our team will walk you through each answer so you know exactly what to expect and can feel confident in your choice.

Before Your Visit

• Tell us about your health history, medications and allergies.
• Follow our instructions about eating and drinking before your visit.
• Arrange a ride home if you will have oral or IV sedation.
• Wear comfortable clothing and plan a quiet rest of the day.

After Your Treatment

• Rest at home for the remainder of the day.
• Do not drive, drink alcohol or make important decisions until we say it is safe, unless you had nitrous oxide only.
• Eat light foods and drink water.
• Call us if you have any concerns after your visit.

Insurance, CDCP and Billing

We accept most insurances and offer direct billing. Coverage for sedation varies by plan, so our team can help you understand what applies before you begin. Eligible patients may also use CDCP for covered services, as explained on our CDCP page.