Some procedures in dentistry are easier to get through with a little help relaxing, especially for patients who feel anxious in the dental chair. When you don't need deep sedation but would benefit from taking the edge off, nitrous oxide—commonly known as laughing gas—is an excellent option. During treatment, a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen is delivered through a small mask placed over your nose, and you simply breathe normally. The gas takes effect within minutes, producing a warm, calm, and slightly euphoric feeling while you remain fully awake and able to respond to us throughout the procedure. The level of sedation is easy to adjust moment to moment, so we can keep you as comfortable as possible from start to finish.

One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it wears off. Once treatment is complete, we have you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas from your system, and the effects fade almost completely before you leave. Because there are no lingering after-effects for most people, you can typically drive yourself home and return to your normal day. Unlike deeper forms of sedation, nitrous oxide doesn't usually cause amnesia, so you may remember your visit—just with far less anxiety attached to it. It's safe, well-tolerated, and works well for both children and adults. Unfortunately it can’t be used if you are pregnant. We're happy to talk through your options and decide together whether nitrous oxide is the right fit for your comfort and your treatment.

Some procedures in dentistry may require a deep level of sedation for anxious patients. When other methods of sedation aren't quite enough, IV sedation is a good alternative. During IV sedation, an anti-anxiety drug is administered through the bloodstream while treatment is completed. This allows the medication to be more efficient and to achieve a deeper level of relaxation. You will probably not remember much (or anything at all) about the procedure because of the short-term amnesia it creates.

As with oral sedation, complex procedures seem faster, and more treatment is usually completed in one appointment. You’re always properly monitored for your safety, and you do need someone to drive you home since there will be some lingering effects. Due to the advanced monitoring required during IV sedation, we work closely with specialists trained and equipped to make this a safe experience. We are happy to discuss your sedation needs and customize a plan for you.

Most children have two cleanings a year, but children with a higher risk of caries may need more frequent visits.

During a checkup, will your child’s hygienist will clean their teeth and, if necessary, take x-rays and give your child a fluoride treatment. The dentist will perform an exam and review if any treatment is needed.