Sedation Dentist Jackson
Stay Relaxed During Your Dental Appointment

Are you nervous or even afraid whenever you step foot into the dentist’s office? You might be suffering from some level of dental anxiety. Don’t worry, you’re not alone; we’ve seen plenty of patients who have struggled with their dental fears, and we know what steps to take to make their visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible. When you call Lakeland Dental Care to schedule an appointment, be sure to ask about our options for sedation dentistry in Jackson and how they could make your next dental experience a more positive one!
Why Choose Lakeland Dental Care for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Options for Relaxing Sedation
- Same Dentist and Hygienist at Every Visit
- Wide Range of In-House Dental Services
Oral Conscious Sedation

Before your appointment with Dr. Malley, you’ll be given a pill along with some instructions. Normally, you’ll take the pill about an hour before your treatment begins. Once it takes effect, you’ll be in an extremely relaxed state; you won’t be unconscious, but you also won’t be bothered by what’s going on around you. After your dental work is complete, you’ll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home so that you can rest until the effects of the medication wear off.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective form of dental sedation that has been used to help patients remain comfortable during oral healthcare treatments for almost two hundred years. This method can be a great option for virtually everyone since it is free from long-term side effects and is eliminated from the body within minutes after the treatment ends. Here’s a quick look at how nitrous oxide sedation works at Lakeland Dental Care, but please feel free to contact our office in Jackson if you’d like to know more.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide sedation can be safe for both children and adults, and it can be a great solution for patients who deal with issues like:
- A fear of needles
- Difficulty remaining comfortable in the treatment chair
- Excessive dental sensitivity
- Powerful gag reflex
- Anxiety about seeing the dentist
- Difficulty achieving the desired effects of other numbing agents.
However, nitrous oxide may not be a suitable choice for patients who are pregnant, those with upper respiratory infections or sinus congestion, and those who are taking medications that may complicate the treatment.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a gaseous substance that you can inhale through a small nasal mask during your dental treatment. This will induce a sense of calmness and wellbeing and help you stay comfortable as we work on your teeth by reducing your sensitivity to pain, and you should start feeling the effects shortly after you start receiving the gas. We can adjust how much gas you receive as needed throughout the process, and we’ll keep an eye on your vital signs at all times to ensure you are safe. After the mask has been removed, it will only take a few minutes for you to return to normal, so you’ll be able to go back to your regular activities without interruption.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Some patients may experience temporary and mild dizziness or queasiness after receiving nitrous oxide, but all side effects should vanish quickly since the body will eliminate the gas from its system within about fifteen minutes. After the effects of nitrous oxide wear off, you can expect to be able to drive yourself home or back to work and resume your normal daily activities. However, it will still be essential to adhere to any aftercare instructions our dentist gives you to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
For most people, sedation is a perfectly safe option. Most people handle nitrous oxide sedation without any issue, so it is the safest for the highest number of people. Before deciding whether to administer sedation, we will go over your medical history and current medications to find out if there could possibly be any negative interactions. While you are sedated, we will closely monitor your vitals at all times to ensure that you are perfectly safe!
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
This all depends on the type of sedation that you are receiving. Nitrous oxide sedation makes you feel relaxed, light, and euphoric. Some patients experience a slight tingling sensation in their arms and legs. You may even get the giggles, which is where nitrous oxide gets the name “laughing gas” from. Oral conscious sedation gives you an even deeper sense of relaxation. You might have some difficulty peaking and staying away. Some patients even doze off during their procedure and feel “heavy.” The appointment may feel like it goes by very quickly.
How long does dental sedation last?
The length of your dental sedation will depend on the type that you opt for. The effects of nitrous oxide should wear off withing five minutes after you stop inhaling the gas. You should be feeling okay enough to drive yourself back home or to work afterward without lingering drowsiness. With oral conscious sedation, the pill’s effects may remain active for the rest of the day. You should avoid driving for 24 hours after your procedure.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Contrary to popular belief, dental sedation isn’t actually a “truth serum.” It is very unlikely that you will reveal any deep, dark secrets while you are sedated. Even if you do say something that you normally wouldn’t say while under sedation, you can trust that it will be kept withing the walls of the dental treatment room.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
If you’ve been putting off getting dental work your need, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. However, anxiety isn’t the only reason to undergo sedation, you might also be a good candidate if you have a low pain tolerance, sensitive gag reflex, or difficulties sitting still or holding your mouth open for long periods of time. You might not be a good candidate if you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are taking certain medications.