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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Derrick
25 September 2026
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Great Dentist Office Friendly Staff 😊.
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Alen P
24 September 2026
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My visit to Plaza Dental is ALWAYS a great experience! Everyone is so friendly and are willing to make sure you are comfortable. I have been going there for several years and they have always given me A+ care.
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Avery Naylor
23 September 2026
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The staff was amazing and so welcoming!
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Kalena
22 September 2026
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Abby is the best assistant! If your child is coming here to have any kind of procedure done, Abby is who you want working along side the dentist. She is so calm and kind. She makes sure the kids know every step of what’s going on. She is so caring and compassionate. She is a huge asset to Plaza Dental 4 Kids!
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Boyce and Michelle Smallwood
22 September 2026
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They are the best!! So friendly and professional.
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Marcia Silvey
21 September 2026
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They are always professional and do a great job. I never have a long wait and everyone is very friendly. If you are looking for a good dentist give them a try!
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Carmen Medina
18 September 2026
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Everyone at the office are super friendly and accommodating to our needs. Especially the dentist and assistant. My husband had an emergency with a tooth and we got an appointment fairly quick. We always get great service with a smile.
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Willard Miller
17 September 2026
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Great staff. Do a good job. Explain things. Good with dealing with fear of dental care.
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Jason Gillihan
17 September 2026
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Great experiences with my littles.
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Alyssa Sapp
16 September 2026
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My 7 year old has had her last several cleaning/exams here, and also several cavities filled. everyone is very punctual, thorough, and caring!
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Zhenwei Song
11 September 2026
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I have been a patient of Dr. Richard Deppe for the past several years, and he has taken great care of my teeth. I really appreciate that there is no over-treatment, everything is explained clearly, and the price is very reasonable. Any problems I have had always fixed properly. I love this dental group, it is truly a life-improving place!
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Ursula Penrod
11 September 2026
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The staff is very nice and helpful
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Paula Hoornaert
11 September 2026
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Such a pleasant group of people
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Jillian Davis
10 September 2026
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Best dentist office ever!!!! Dr Fossatti did my fillings yesterday and it went probably as well as fillings could go. Marcelo, a hygienist, and Debbie are also wonderful. They are also always on time, which is really hard to find in a doctor's office!!! Will always recommend this office.
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Judith Henley
10 September 2026
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Absolutely love this dental office & staff! Professionalism personified! They truly can’t improve upon perfection!