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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G. Paul Corbin
8 October 2026
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Everything and everyone there were exceptional, from check in to check out. Makes me look forward to my next appointment.
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Diana Blessing
8 October 2026
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In a timely manner they got me an appointment to check my tooth ! All was good ! I appreciated knowing my tooth was good !!
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Cassandra Beechwood-Hall
8 October 2026
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I was really happy with my exam and X-rays at plaza dental. I have not gotten my teeth cleaned yet (they are short a dental hygienist right now) but everyone was very professional and provided ample education during the appt.
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Iris Painter
8 October 2026
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Staff was polite and efficient
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Nancy Higgins
7 October 2026
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DR.Deppe and hygienist Gema were both friendly, made me comfortable and I felt like I was in good hands. All support staff were friendly as well. I would definitely recommend plaza dental.
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Bobbie Kelly
7 October 2026
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I had an dental emergency and they got me in fast and did a root canal to stop the pain the same day!
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Sherry Lorence
3 October 2026
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Best dentist appt ever
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Reggie Landon
3 October 2026
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The tech was friendly, gentle and very informative and she made feel so relaxed!
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Joan Smith
3 October 2026
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I have had good experiences ar Plaza. I appreciate that I haven't had to wait past my appointment time.
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Olivia Cody
2 October 2026
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Plaza dental is truly an outstanding dental group. The staff was very friendly. They took time to visit with you and talk with you. There was no rush. Debbie, who was the assistant that worked with me, was happy, full of laughter and listened and shared. Doctor "E", the dentist, was so kind and gentle. I would highly recommend this dental service to any and all.
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Cyndi Lewis
2 October 2026
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Services , timely and customer interaction just awesome
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Nisha
2 October 2026
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I've been going to this office for the last 4 years and they have never disappointed me!
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Jennifer Quinn
2 October 2026
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Had a great cleaning today 😬
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MJ Baptist
1 October 2026
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My whole family received dental care here, from general dentist to orthodontist to oral surgery. Professional dentists, friendly front desk staff and never have an issue with billing. High appreciated!
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Geek on a Harley
30 September 2026
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They do a great job cleaning my teeth and keeping them healthy.