Sedation Dentistry

General Dentistry, Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry in Columbia, MO 

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry uses medication to help you relax for a better dental care experience. Sedation dentistry can even help patients with severe dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits to meet your individual needs. Sedation allows your body to relax more completely. This increases the effectiveness of local anesthesia. Sedation dentistry reduces the sensation of passing time. This can be very useful if you need complex or multiple treatments in a single sitting. It also prevents your muscles from stiffening or becoming sore due to spending extended periods of time in one position.

In every case, your sedation is closely monitored by experienced dental professionals who ensure your safety and comfort.

Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild dental sedation medication. Once inhaled, it induces a state of mild relaxation. It also reduces sensitivity to pain. Nitrous Oxide is safe for virtually every patient, regardless of age. Following treatment, oxygen is used to neutralize the effects of the nitrous oxide. Once this is complete, you will be fully alert and able to drive yourself home.

main logo - Plaza Dental Group

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Main Form

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation, or OCS, provides a stronger level of sedation than Nitrous Oxide. Many patients prefer to use OCS for the deeper relaxation it provides.  Though you are still able to stand, walk, or answer questions, you remain in a calm and drowsy state throughout the treatment. With OCS, many patients have found they have little memory of the procedure after the fact. For patients with dental anxiety, this can be a great benefit.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous Sedation, or IV Sedation, is generally used with shorter treatment sessions. The effects are immediate and may cause you to feel as though you slept through the treatment. You may feel groggy when the IV is stopped, but this will fade over the next few hours.

Unlike with Nitrous Oxide, if you choose Oral Conscious or IV Sedation, you will need someone to provide your transportation on the day of your procedure. While there are no lingering aftereffects, the sedative effects of these options can take up to 24 hours to fully diminish.

General Anesthesia

With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious and unable to respond during dental procedures. In this unconscious state, you will not feel any pain and there is a complete absence of any anxiety or fear, which is why many patients ask about using general anesthesia. The effects typically wear off after a few hours, but it is required that you arrange for a ride home.

Your safety is our top priority. At your appointment, be sure to tell us:

    • Any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you are taking

    • Any herbal or nutritional supplements you are using

    • Any allergies you have, particularly medication reactions

    • Any health conditions you have

    • Any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment or about sedation dentistry

For more information about using sedation dentistry with your next treatment, contact Plaza Dental.

What Patients Are Saying! - Plaza Dental Group

What Patients Are Saying!

Top Dentist & Orthodontist in Columbia, MO

Posted on Google Google
Darcey Walker
4 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
A great group of people…. From the receptionists, to my dental hygienist, along with my dentist…..Highly recommend them!
Posted on Google Google
Alicia bishop
3 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very nice people and the dentist does a great job! Very happy with what I’ve had done so far!
Posted on Google Google
Scott Overy
2 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Ive had the best experience with plaza dental that a person could ask for. Everyone that i have dealt with has been very professional, curtious & caring . Im glad my daughter referred me to them !!!!
Posted on Google Google
Molly Kurth
2 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Exceptional staffing service. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Stefan Dantzler
2 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very friendly staff and good vibes all around
Posted on Google Google
Derrick
1 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great Dentist Office Friendly Staff 😊.
Posted on Google Google
Glenda Acton
1 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Debbie was very helpful and considerate of my situation. Shout out to Heather for her exceptional button handling!!
Posted on Google Google
LaVar Umbles
1 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always awesome!
Posted on Google Google
Avery Burmeister
1 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
First timer coming to this establishment since moving to Missouri and I’m so glad I chose this dentist group! Everyone who I interacted with was super nice and friendly. While they clean your teeth, they tell you basically every time you’ll feel something or touch you, which I think is very considerate to those who may be uncomfortable with being at the dentist or for personal reasons. The waiting area and procedure rooms looked very clean and tidy (that’s a win in my book). Highly recommend coming here 😁
Posted on Google Google
Catherine Cooper
30 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Finding a new dentist has always been stressful for me. I chose Plaza Dential and as expected I was concerned. My first appointment I was greeted by Debbie, who pretty much stayed with me through my visit. Her role was to cover any concerns I might have regarding procedures and what my insurance would or would not cover. She was awesome and made me feel very comfortable. Special thanks to Debbie. Since then I have had miscellaneous procedures at Plaza. The staff are friendly, considerate, and professional. I would highly recommend them. THANK YOU TO PLAZA DENTAL STAFF.
Posted on Google Google
Margaret “Meg” Langland
29 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent care- highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Mckenna Baer
29 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always so nice and Welcoming! The best Dental practice!
Posted on Google Google
R B
28 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very friendly staff and did a thorough job.
Posted on Google Google
Andi Queen
28 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
They did amazing jobs every time I come in Thank you so much
Posted on Google Google
Brenda Sybrant
28 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Professional, friendly, courteous, timely service from all staff.