Sedation Dentistry

Relax Through Your Next Dental Visit

Dental anxiety is more common than you think—and it shouldn’t keep you from getting the care you need. At Riverway Dental, we offer several safe, effective sedation options to help you feel relaxed and at ease during any procedure. Whether you’re here for a routine filling or a complex extraction, we’ll ensure your comfort every step of the way.

Our Sedation Options

Oral
Sedation
Taken in pill form before your appointment, oral sedation helps reduce anxiety and induces a deep sense of calm. You’ll remain conscious but may feel drowsy and remember very little of the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Inhaled through a small nose mask, nitrous oxide offers fast, gentle relaxation. It wears off quickly after your visit, allowing you to drive home and resume your day with minimal downtime.

IV
Sedation
Administered through a vein for immediate effect, IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation. Many patients feel as though they “slept” through the entire appointment. This option is often recommended for longer or more intensive treatments.

Why choose sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who:

  • Experience dental anxiety or fear
  • Have had negative dental experiences in the past
  • Need multiple procedures completed in one visit
  • Have a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting still
  • Are undergoing lengthy or complex treatments

 

With sedation, dental visits become smoother, shorter, and more comfortable, so you can focus on healing, not stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. With oral or nitrous sedation, you’ll remain awake but deeply relaxed. IV sedation can make you feel like you’ve slept through the procedure, but you’re still technically conscious and responsive.

Yes. Sedation dentistry has a long record of safety when provided by trained professionals. We carefully evaluate your medical history and monitor you throughout the entire procedure.

You’ll need someone to drive you home if you choose oral or IV sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, and you may be able to drive afterward—your dentist will advise based on your response.

Coverage varies. Some plans cover sedation when it’s medically necessary. We’ll help you navigate your benefits and provide transparent cost information before your appointment.

Not at all! Sedation is also a great option for patients with time constraints, sensitive teeth, or those undergoing longer treatments who want to minimize fatigue and discomfort.