Peace of Mind Starts with Clarity

We offer a full range of sedation options to match your level of anxiety and the complexity of your treatment:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A light sedative that helps you relax and wears off quickly.

• Oral sedation: A prescribed pill taken before your appointment to reduce anxiety.

• IV sedation: Administered through a vein, this provides a deeper level of relaxation and can be adjusted throughout your procedure.

  • Moderate conscious sedation: Typically delivered via IV using a medication called Versed.

  • Deep conscious sedation (by anesthesiologist): For complex patients or lengthy procedures, our anesthesiologist can administer multiple medications for profound relaxation.

• General sedation: Soon to be offering hospital based dentistry at Dartmouth General reserved for those teens and adults with special needs.

We will help you choose the best option based on your medical history, comfort level, and the procedure being performed.

Yes. When administered by trained professionals, sedation dentistry is extremely safe. Dr. Pannozzo and his colleagues are certified in sedation techniques. During your procedure, we continuously monitor your vital signs and tailor the sedation approach to your specific health needs. A thorough pre-sedation assessment is part of every treatment plan.

Not necessarily. Most sedation patients remain awake but relaxed — sometimes drifting in and out of sleep. You’ll still be able to respond to instructions. IV sedation can create a dream-like state where you remember little to nothing. If you are looking for full unconsciousness, that requires general anesthesia, which is offered in a hospital setting and may not be available.

Sedation reduces anxiety and discomfort, but we still use local anesthesia (freezing) to block pain. You may feel a pinch during the injection, but sedation helps make that far more tolerable. During certain procedures, such as tooth removal, pressure will still be felt. Our goal is a pain-free and low-stress experience.

Preparation depends on the type of sedation:

• Nitrous oxide: Do not eat or drink for 3 hours before your appointment.

• IV sedation:

  • No solid foods for 8 hours before.

  • No liquids for 3 hours before.

  • Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

We’ll provide customized pre-procedure instructions at your consultation.

Most people are eligible, but safety always comes first. We assess your medical history, medications, and overall health to determine the best approach. If sedation isn’t suitable for you, we’ll discuss alternative ways to keep you comfortable during treatment.

• Nitrous oxide: Wears off in minutes — you can usually drive yourself home.

• Oral sedation: You’ll feel drowsy for a few hours. A ride home and rest are required.

• IV sedation: Recovery may take several hours. Plan to rest for the day and avoid driving or important tasks for 24 hours.

You’re not alone — needle anxiety is common. For IV sedation, we can give you a medication before placing the IV so you’re slightly sedated when we place the IV. Many patients are so relaxed from the oral medication beforehand that they don’t even remember the IV being inserted.

Generally, we do not allow additional individuals in the operatory during sedation procedures. This helps us maintain a sterile, distraction-free environment where we can work safely and efficiently. We’ve also found that patients tend to be more relaxed and cooperative without an audience. In certain cases, a family member may be permitted to accompany the patient during IV placement, but once the sedation process begins, we ask that they return to the waiting area.

We ask that your ride remain on-site during your appointment. Occasionally, we may need to speak with them mid-treatment, or your procedure may finish earlier than expected. Having your escort nearby ensures a smoother and safer discharge process.

Costs vary based on the type of sedation used and the duration of your procedure.

• Nitrous oxide/Oral is generally the most affordable.

• IV sedation involve higher costs due to additional personnel, medication, monitoring, and time.

Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the sedation fee under certain circumstances. We’ll provide a clear cost estimate and help you explore coverage options before proceeding.

With IV sedation, most patients remember very little — if anything — about the procedure. You’ll stay responsive during treatment, but your memory of the appointment will likely be minimal. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you may recall more of your visit.

After the freezing wears off and you’re fully alert, you can eat and drink again. We recommend starting with soft foods and avoiding alcohol or heavy meals that day.

Yes, however our practice is limited to those who are 12 years and older. Children are not tiny adults and require a different skill set to sedate and treat appropriately.

These conditions don’t necessarily rule out sedation — but we’ll review your medical history in detail. In some cases, we may consult with your physician or adjust the sedation method to reduce risk. Our approach is cautious, safe, and fully customized.

Not at all. Many of our sedation patients have avoided the dentist for years — and that’s exactly why we’re here. You’ll find no judgment at Community Sedation Dentistry. We’re here to help you regain your health in a supportive, understanding environment.