Sedation dentistry uses medication to help anxious patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment. The two most common options are nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), which wears off within minutes so you can drive yourself home, and oral sedation, a pill taken before your visit that produces deeper relaxation. Both allow patients who avoid the dentist out of fear to finally get the care they need — safely and comfortably.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative medication to help you feel more relaxed during a dental appointment. It’s a proven approach for patients who feel nervous, have had negative experiences in the past, have a sensitive gag reflex, or have difficulty getting numb. You can learn more about our full range of sedation dentistry services and how they keep treatment stress-free.
At Smile Design Modern Dentistry, sedation care is provided by Dr. Erfan Imeni, who holds a moderate sedation permit (No. 1431) issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and has practiced dentistry in North Carolina since 2016.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a nitrogen-oxygen mixture you inhale through a small nose mask during treatment. As you breathe it in, you feel a relaxed, sometimes euphoric sensation while remaining fully awake and able to respond.
Why patients choose nitrous oxide:
- It’s a mild, gentle form of sedation ideal for lighter anxiety
- The effects wear off within just a few minutes after the mask is removed
- You can legally and safely drive yourself home afterward
- The level can be adjusted throughout your appointment
Learn more about nitrous oxide sedation and whether it’s a fit for your next visit.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you feel calm and at ease. It’s a form of conscious sedation, so you remain awake but deeply relaxed — and many patients don’t remember much about the visit afterward.
Why patients choose oral sedation:
- Well-suited to moderate anxiety
- Simple and needle-free — you just take a pill
- Produces a helpful amnesic effect for a comfortable experience
- Typically costs less than more advanced sedation methods
Because oral sedation lingers, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. Read more about oral sedation and how to prepare.
What Should I Expect at a Sedation Appointment?
Sedation visits are deliberately predictable — knowing each step ahead of time is itself part of managing anxiety:
- Before: You review your health history, medications, and anxiety level with the team. If oral sedation is planned, you receive the prescription and exact timing instructions, and you arrange for someone to drive you. With nitrous oxide, no special preparation is usually needed.
- During: You remain awake and able to respond the entire time, and you are monitored throughout the appointment. With nitrous oxide the level can be adjusted in real time; with oral sedation you feel deeply relaxed and may remember little afterward.
- After: Nitrous oxide clears within minutes, so most patients drive themselves home. Oral sedation lingers for several hours, so plan to rest for the remainder of the day and have someone stay with you.
Which Dental Treatments Can Be Done With Sedation?
Almost any procedure at our Durham office can be paired with sedation, including:
- Professional cleanings and gum treatment for patients who have been away for years
- Fillings, crowns, and dental bridges
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implant placement — see our guide to dental implant costs in Durham, NC
- Longer combined visits that complete several treatments in one appointment
Combining treatments under sedation is often the most practical path for patients catching up on postponed care: fewer visits, less anticipation, and steady progress.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe when administered and monitored by a trained dental team. At every visit, our team carefully monitors you throughout treatment. The right option for you depends on your level of anxiety, your medical history, and the procedure being performed — all of which are reviewed before treatment begins.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost in Durham, NC?
Sedation is priced as an addition to the dental treatment itself, and the total depends on which option you choose and how long your appointment runs. As a rule of thumb, nitrous oxide is the most affordable way to add comfort to a visit, and oral sedation typically costs less than more advanced sedation methods. Insurance plans treat sedation differently from plan to plan, so our team verifies your benefits and confirms your costs before your appointment — no surprises on the day.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Sedation dentistry can help if you:
- Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
- Have had a negative or painful experience in the past
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have difficulty getting fully numb with anesthesia alone
- Need to complete several procedures in one appointment
If dental fear has kept you away, our team has extensive experience in treating dental anxiety with a gentle, patient-first approach.
Comfortable, Anxiety-Free Dentistry in Durham, NC
Smile Design Modern Dentistry serves Durham and the surrounding communities of Chapel Hill, Cary, Brier Creek, and Raleigh. Our office is designed for comfort, with private treatment areas, massage chairs, and Netflix-enabled TVs — alongside sedation options for patients who need a little extra help relaxing.
Don’t let anxiety hold you back from the care you deserve. Schedule a consultation at Smile Design Modern Dentistry by calling (919) 220-5505 today.