Laughing Gas vs. Oral Sedation: Which Is Right for You?
If the thought of a dental visit makes your heart race, you're not alone. Dental anxiety keeps a lot of people out of the chair until a small problem turns into a big one. At New View Dental in Perrysburg, we offer two kinds of sedation to help you relax: laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and oral sedation. Here's how they compare.
Questions? Call 419-442-7700 · Mon–Thu, 9am–4pm
The short answer
Laughing gas is a light, fast-acting option you breathe through a small nose mask. It's good for mild to moderate nerves and shorter visits.
Oral sedation is a pill taken before your appointment. It gives a deeper sense of calm for stronger anxiety or longer visits. You'll need someone to drive you.
Neither one puts you fully to sleep. You stay awake and able to respond, just much more relaxed.
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
How it works: You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over your nose. Most people start to feel calm within a few minutes.
How it feels: Many people describe a light, floaty or tingly feeling. You can still talk to your dentist.
Good for: mild to moderate anxiety, cleanings or fillings that make you tense, and people with a strong gag reflex.
Afterward: We'll tell you what to expect after your visit and whether you can drive yourself.
Oral sedation
How it works: You take a prescribed pill before your appointment, as your dentist directs.
How it feels: Deeply relaxed and drowsy. Some people remember little of the visit.
Good for: stronger dental anxiety, longer appointments such as dental implants, or several treatments in one visit.
Afterward: Plan for an adult to drive you to and from your appointment. Follow the after-care instructions we give you.
Side-by-side
Laughing gas
How it's given: Breathed through a nose mask
Level of relaxation: Light to moderate
Awake: Yes
Need a driver: We'll let you know at your visit
Good for: Mild nerves, shorter visits
Oral sedation
How it's given: Pill before your visit
Level of relaxation: Moderate, deeper calm
Awake: Yes, but very drowsy
Need a driver: Yes, always
Good for: Stronger anxiety, longer visits
Is sedation safe for me?
Your doctor will review your health history and medications before recommending sedation, to decide whether it's appropriate for you. Tell us about any medical conditions, pregnancy, medications or supplements. If sedation isn't a good fit, we'll talk about other ways to make your visit easier.
More ways we keep you comfortable
Sedation is only one tool. We also:
Use The Wand, a computer-assisted system for more comfortable numbing
Explain each step before we do it, and agree on a signal you can use to ask for a break
Take time to listen and answer your questions, with no pressure
What if I've avoided the dentist for years?
That's more common than you think, and we won't lecture you. Start with a conversation. We'll look at what's going on, explain your options in plain language, and go at your pace. If you're in pain now, we offer same-day emergency visits, including for new patients.
Does insurance cover sedation?
It depends on your plan and your treatment. We work with Paramount, Delta Dental, Cigna, Always Care, Ameritas, Anthem BCBS, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, Sun Life and United Concordia, and we offer financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit. See payment plans and insurance.
Talk to a Perrysburg dentist about sedation
Dr. Daniel Saffo and Dr. Christina Saffo see anxious patients from Perrysburg, Maumee, Rossford, Toledo and nearby. We're at 27072 Carronade Dr, Suite C, Perrysburg, OH 43551, open Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm. Learn more about sedation dentistry at New View Dental.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will recommend what is appropriate for you.
