Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas delivered through a small nose mask. Within minutes, you'll feel relaxed, warm, and pleasantly detached from your surroundings — still fully conscious and able to communicate, but with anxiety essentially dissolved. The effects wear off within 5 minutes after the mask is removed, and you can drive yourself home. Nitrous oxide is safe for all ages and is our most commonly used sedation option.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For patients with more significant anxiety, dental phobia, or complex procedures, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication (typically triazolam or diazepam) approximately one hour before your appointment. You'll be deeply relaxed and drowsy — often with little or no memory of the procedure afterward. You remain conscious and responsive throughout, but many patients feel as though they've "slept through" their appointment. A driver is required.

Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry

• Patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia
• Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Patients with a strong gag reflex
• Patients who need extensive work done and want to accomplish more in fewer visits
• Patients who have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone
• Patients with special needs or who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
• Patients who simply prefer a more relaxed experience

Sedation + Local Anesthesia — Complete Comfort

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Before any sedation is administered, Dr. Burton reviews your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions. Vital signs are monitored throughout sedation appointments. We maintain the training, equipment, and protocols required to manage any sedation safely. If you have specific concerns about sedation compatibility with a health condition or medication, please mention this when scheduling — we'll address it thoroughly before your appointment.