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.

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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

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Parimal Sheth
5 November 2026
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Very heartwarming experience on our First Visit, well organized and courteous staff
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Jessica Hatch
4 November 2026
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Have had appts at the general dentistry, pediatric and ortho sides, all have been so great!!! Very calm, comfortable environment and great with children, fast replies and made insurance work a breeze!
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Rob Ritter
4 November 2026
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Dr. Richard Deppe is an outstanding oral surgeon. He's done two of my implants, three crowns, and several dental restorations. I completely trust him for all my dental care, and the outcomes have always been outstanding. I have great confidence and peace when I'm in his gifted hands. I trust every recommendation he makes to improve, restore and maintain the highest level of dental health possible. I wouldn't go anywhere else than Plaza Dental and Dr. Deppe.
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Stephanie Warnhoff
4 November 2026
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Great communication, professional and clean office, excellent hygienists for my kids!
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Sarah Breshears
4 November 2026
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I was SO pleased with our experience today. Both of the dental hygienists went above and beyond for both of my kiddos making it such a good experience for them both!
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Ronald Lynn
30 October 2026
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VERY GOOD SERVICE & STAFF
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Linda West
28 October 2026
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Had an excellent checkup! My hygienist was great! The whole staff is very friendly and helpful as well! The dentist let me know what I need to have done and is working with my insurance to get it cost effective!! Thank you! I recommend them highly!
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Ronda Cummings
28 October 2026
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Real great and respectful staff and very clean and the dr.is so nice would recommend
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jeremy Estes AIFD
28 October 2026
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Hands down the best dental experience I have ever had. From the front desk and beyond, the customer service is top notch. Everyone is professional, kind and made me feel welcome from the start. I had a deep cleaning and felt very little, they are thorough and extremely efficient. I have already recommended plaza dental to a couple of friends and will continue to recommend anyone who is looking for quality dental care! Thank you Plaza Dental 10/10!!!
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marcy sinclair
28 October 2026
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They are very nice. Teeth cleaning went smoothly. I would recommend them to everyone.
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Katrina McMann
27 October 2026
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We love it here! Everyone is so kind!
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Greg Tucker
27 October 2026
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Great, friendly, efficient visit! Jenna was great!
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Marty Forgy
24 October 2026
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Great cleaning job. Gentle and with a smile!
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Mary DeSutter
21 October 2026
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Discovered a large chip in my front tooth. They got me in quickly for a consultation. Every one there is polite and helpful. Dr.E is compassionate, and explains things very well. I know she’ll do all she can to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I need dental work.
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Letitia Carr
21 October 2026
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Great staff and dr.