Services / Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV conscious sedation offer different ways to support comfort. Your health, treatment needs, and recovery arrangements help determine which option is appropriate.

Understanding the basics

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation uses medication to help reduce anxiety during dental care. With conscious sedation, the aim is to keep you relaxed and responsive. We review your health, medications, and treatment needs before discussing the benefits, risks, and preparation for an appropriate option. Local anesthetic may still be needed to numb the treatment area.

Request a Sedation Consultation

Relaxed patient resting comfortably in the dental chair

Your comfort options

Your Options

Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") — breathed through a soft nose mask; takes effect in minutes and wears off within minutes. Most patients can drive home afterward, once our team confirms they're ready.
Oral conscious sedation — medication taken by mouth as prescribed to help you relax. You need an escort and must follow the recovery instructions.
IV conscious sedation — medication delivered through an IV so the dose can be adjusted during treatment. You need an escort and recovery arrangements. This is not general anesthesia.

Reception and waiting area in our Mt. Juliet office

What to expect

The Sedation Process

A Conversation First

We review your health, medications, anxiety, and planned treatment, then explain suitable sedation options and their risks.

Simple Preparation

We give you preparation instructions for your option, including guidance on eating, medications, and transportation. Follow these instructions rather than changing your routine on your own.

Your Appointment

We monitor you as appropriate for your sedation and check your comfort during treatment. Before starting, we agree on how you can signal that you need a pause.

Recovery Instructions

After nitrous alone, most patients recover quickly. Oral or IV sedation requires an escort and supervision as instructed. We explain when you can resume driving, work, and other activities.

When sedation may help

Reasons to Consider Sedation

Patients with dental fear or past traumatic experiences
Patients with a strong gag reflex or difficulty getting numb
Longer procedures — implants, extractions, or full-mouth treatment
Patients considering longer appointments when clinically appropriate

Is dental sedation safe?

Safety

Health screening, appropriate medication, and monitoring help reduce sedation risks. We review your history and medicines before recommending nitrous, oral, or IV sedation. We explain the potential side effects and risks, which may include nausea, prolonged drowsiness, or breathing problems, and the precautions for your treatment.

What does sedation cost?

Cost

Sedation costs depend on the option and length of treatment. We explain the fee and can check any available insurance benefits before your visit.

Common questions about sedation

Will I be unconscious?

Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV conscious sedation may be appropriate after a health review. Conscious sedation aims to help you relax while remaining responsive. Your experience and memory of the visit can vary. We do not provide general anesthesia.

Can I drive home?

After nitrous alone, most patients can drive once our team confirms recovery. Oral or IV sedation requires an escort and the recovery arrangements in your written instructions.

I'm worried about both my teeth and my anxiety. Is that common?

You’re not alone in feeling that way. Tell us what concerns you, including any difficult past experiences. We can discuss how to make the visit more manageable and whether sedation may help.

Anxious about the dentist? Let's talk.

Discuss your concerns, options, and preparation before treatment

Request a Sedation Consultation Call (615) 754-6677