Sedation Dentistry in Nashville, TN

We offer three options: (1) **Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)**—mild relaxation, you stay conscious, immediate recovery, no driver needed; (2) **Oral Conscious Sedation**—a prescribed pill creates moderate relaxation, some memory loss is common, requires a driver; (3) **IV Sedation**—deeper sedation through an IV, strong anxiety relief and amnesia, requires a driver and 24-hour recovery. During your consultation, we discuss which option fits your anxiety level and procedure.

Yes, when administered by trained, certified professionals. Our dentists hold DOCS certifications and maintain current training. We monitor your vital signs (oxygen, heart rate, blood pressure) throughout the procedure. We follow strict safety guidelines, maintain emergency equipment, and train all staff in emergency protocols. Sedation is routine in dental offices nationwide with excellent safety records. We review your medical history and medications to confirm sedation is safe for you.

No. You will not go under general anesthesia (true unconsciousness). With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you stay conscious and can respond to instructions—you are just relaxed and may not remember much. With IV sedation, you may appear to be sleeping, but you remain responsive to our voice and touch. We control the depth of sedation to match your needs. General anesthesia happens in hospital settings, not routine dental offices.

Side effects are minimal and temporary. Common effects include mild grogginess, slight nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness—most fade within a few hours. Some patients have no side effects at all. Serious complications are rare when certified professionals follow proper protocols. We discuss side effects specific to your sedation type during consultation and give post-procedure instructions to minimize discomfort. Contact us if you experience unusual symptoms.

Sedation costs vary by type and duration: **Nitrous Oxide** adds $50-$150 to your procedure; **Oral Conscious Sedation** adds $200-$500; **IV Sedation** adds $300-$800+ depending on complexity. These are in addition to your procedure costs. Example: nitrous for a cleaning might be $50-75; IV sedation for wisdom tooth extraction might be $500-800 plus extraction costs. We give you itemized pricing during consultation—no surprises.

Coverage depends on your plan. Some plans cover sedation fully or partially, especially when medically necessary (severe anxiety, phobia, or special needs). Other plans require out-of-pocket payment. We verify your coverage before your appointment and tell you exactly what your insurance covers versus your responsibility. We also offer payment plans and financing.

**For Nitrous Oxide:** No. You can drive immediately after—you are alert within minutes once the gas is removed. **For Oral or IV Sedation:** Yes. You must have a driver take you home. You cannot drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. Your judgment and reflexes may be impaired even if you feel alert. We will not release you without confirming a driver is present.

Yes. Sedation works well for children with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex procedures. Pediatric dosages are adapted for age and weight. Nitrous oxide is common in pediatric dentistry and safe. Deeper sedation for children requires specialized training and is reserved for complex procedures. If your child has dental anxiety, discuss sedation during your consultation—we can help determine the right level.

Nearly any dental procedure can be done under sedation: cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, wisdom tooth removal, implants, gum disease treatment, dentures, and smile makeovers. Sedation helps most with complex or intimidating procedures. The sedation type depends on procedure complexity and your anxiety level. Example: a cleaning might need only nitrous oxide ($50-75); a root canal might use oral sedation ($200-300 plus procedure); wisdom tooth extraction might use IV sedation ($400-800 plus procedure).

Recovery depends on the type: **Nitrous Oxide** wears off in 2-3 minutes—you can drive right away. **Oral Sedation** effects wear off over 2-4 hours—do not drive for 24 hours; most feel normal by evening. **IV Sedation** effects wear off over 1-4 hours—full alertness may take up to 24 hours. We monitor your recovery and give discharge instructions. Follow post-sedation guidelines: no driving, no machinery, no major decisions for 24 hours.

The right type depends on your anxiety level and procedure complexity. **Nitrous Oxide** works for mild to moderate anxiety with no recovery time. **Oral Sedation** fits moderate to high anxiety—you may not remember much. **IV Sedation** handles severe anxiety, phobia, or complex procedures—you likely remember little or nothing. During your consultation, we discuss your fears, review your medical history, and recommend the right level. You are in control.

Your comfort is our priority. We schedule a consultation where you can discuss your fears without pressure or procedures. We listen, explain options, and answer questions honestly. Many anxious patients find that simply meeting our team in a calm environment reduces their anxiety. We can offer nitrous oxide during your consultation if that helps. No judgment, no pressure—we work at your pace. Our goal is to help you get the dental care you deserve.