Sedation Dentistry

Between 50-80% of all adults experience some degree of dental anxiety with up to 22% experiencing severe anxiety. Unfortunately this results in many patients avoiding necessary treatment or preventative care and sometimes living in pain and discomfort. At Hillside Family Dental, we are pleased to offer several options for those who experience anxiety or dental phobias, a bad gag reflex, or are undergoing more extensive procedures.

Nitrous oxide/Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a light sedative that helps ease anxiety and create a calm, relaxed feeling during dental procedures. It’s inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose and begins to work within minutes. You may feel slightly tingly, floaty, or giggly—hence the nickname. You’ll remain awake and aware the whole time, and once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly—so you can usually resume your normal day right after your appointment. This is a great option for children and adults who have mild dental anxiety or just want to feel more at ease during treatment.

Oral sedation +/- Nitrous Oxide

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication, usually a pill, before your appointment. It helps you feel more deeply relaxed and less aware of your surroundings, although you’ll still be awake and able to respond to instructions. Many patients feel drowsy or sleepy and may have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. Because oral sedation affects alertness, you’ll need a responsible adult to accompany you to and from your appointment. This is ideal for patients with moderate dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or those having longer or more involved procedures.

IV Sedation (Moderate Procedural Sedation & Analgesia)

IV sedation is the most advanced form of sedation we offer. It’s administered via a soft catheter directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line, allowing for precise control over your level of sedation. You’ll feel very relaxed—many patients describe it as being in a dreamlike state—and may not remember much, if anything, about the procedure afterward. You’ll still be conscious, breathing on your own, and able to respond to instructions, but with reduced awareness of the sights, sounds, and sensations of treatment. This option is best suited for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, those undergoing multiple or complex treatments, or anyone who wants a completely stress-free dental experience. Prior to IV sedation, we’ll complete a thorough medical screening to ensure it’s a safe option for you. You’ll also need someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward as the effects wear off.

Which Sedation Option Is Right for You?

Our caring team will talk with you about your health history, your level of anxiety, and your treatment needs to help you choose the sedation method that’s safest and most effective for you.

Your comfort matters to us—let us help make your next visit a calm and positive one.

What to Expect:

Patients are monitored closely throughout the procedure.
Sedation is performed by a dentist certified in these sedation modalities.
A full medical history and pre-screening is completed to ensure suitability.

This service is available for a range of dental procedures, including fillings, extractions, restorations, crown and bridge work, implants, root canals, even cleanings!

Sedation Dentistry