If you’re considering having dental work done in 2024, especially more involved procedures such as dental implants, you may feel a little nervous. There’s no need, though! We offer two kinds of soothing dental sedation to ease your nerves. Both have pros and cons to consider when deciding which is right for your situation.

Dr. Rasmussen will be happy to discuss your sedation options and answer all of your questions during your treatment consultation. Together, the two of us can determine which type of sedation will work best for you. Call Twin Rivers Dental at 531-221-1177 today to schedule an appointment.

In the meantime, check out our overview here. 

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Takes the Edge Off


Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that is mixed with oxygen. You inhale it through a mask during your dental procedure. Some pros of nitrous oxide include:

  • Relaxes you, reducing anxiety and discomfort
  • Keeps you conscious and responsive during your procedure
  • Wears off quickly after your mask is removed
  • Won’t leave you feeling groggy
  • Can be used for virtually anyone, including children
  • Less costly option

The cons of nitrous oxide to consider are:

  • Doesn’t work for everyone – some patients report little effect
  • Doesn’t numb areas being worked on – local anesthesia is still needed
  • Your coordination can be impaired temporarily 

Overall, nitrous oxide is a good sedative for mild cases where you want to feel relaxed but also retain awareness during the procedure after local numbing.

IV Sedation Relaxes You More Deeply


IV sedation involves injecting sedative medication into your bloodstream, resulting in a deeper state of sedation. Some pros of IV sedation are:

  • You’ll be in a trancelike sleep state with less awareness of your surroundings
  • Offers more effective relaxation and pain relief 
  • Allows for longer, more complex procedures
  • Less memory of your procedure after effects wear off

There are also some cons with IV sedation:

  • Requires additional patient monitoring equipment during your procedure  
  • Medication is tailored to you, so we’ll need a weight/health assessment
  • Your recovery period is longer, and you may feel dizzy initially afterward
  • Effects will linger for a while
  • More expensive due to medication and monitoring costs

For more complex or invasive procedures like wisdom tooth extraction, IV sedation can provide deeper relaxation. Patients with high anxiety may also prefer this kind of sedation.

Choosing the Right Sedation Method: What to Consider


When weighing nitrous oxide vs IV sedation, you’ll want to discuss your dental anxiety with us. In theory, it’s best to use the most conservative approach possible. We will consider the complexity and length of your procedure, as well as your medical history before making any recommendation. We’ll also review the associated costs with you and help you determine whether your insurance will help cover those costs. 

No matter which method you choose, you’ll feel better about getting your dental work with the option of sedation! 

To schedule a consultation in Circle Valley, NE, call us today at 531-221-1177. You can also schedule online.