--- title: "Sedation Dentistry: Types, Safety and Missouri Rules" description: "Sedation dentistry explained: nitrous oxide, oral, IV and general anesthesia, who gives each, what Missouri law requires, and how to choose with your dentist." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/sedation-dentistry-guide publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Sedation Dentistry: How Safe Is It, and Which Type Fits Your Visit? Sedation dentistry uses medicine to help you feel calm during dental care. Common types are nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia. Missouri requires a state permit for dentists who give deeper levels. Town Center Dental describes its own sedation care on its sedation page. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits you. GuideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read 1. 1 ## Four common types Cleveland Clinic lists nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation as the common options. General anesthesia is a separate, deeper level. 2. 2 ## Missouri needs permits RSMo 332.362 requires Missouri dentists who give conscious sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia agents to hold a permit from the Missouri Dental Board. 3. 3 ## Rides differ by type Cleveland Clinic says you can drive shortly after nitrous oxide. For oral or IV sedation, you need someone to take you home. 4. 4 ## Ask what the office offers Town Center Dental names nitrous oxide on its sedation page. Ask the office what applies to your visit before you book. ## What is sedation dentistry? Sedation dentistry means using medicine to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental care. Cleveland Clinic says the common options are nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. A deeper level, general anesthesia, is a separate category. Sedation is different from a [local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic). A local anesthetic numbs one area of the mouth. Sedation works on how you feel overall. Many visits use both: the sedation helps you relax, and the numbing medicine blocks feeling in the tooth. This guide explains the types in general terms. It does not describe what any one office provides. For what Town Center Dental offers, read the practice’s own [sedation dentistry page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry). Town Center Dental names nitrous oxide as an option. If you want to know about anything beyond that, ask the office directly before you book. ## Which types of sedation are there, side by side? There are four types you will hear about most. They differ in how you take them, how deep they go, who gives them and how you get home. The table shows the general picture. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits your visit. Type How it is given General level Ride home needed? [Nitrous oxide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) You breathe it through a small mask over your nose Light relaxation, you stay awake Usually no, per Cleveland Clinic [Oral conscious sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-conscious-sedation) A pill or liquid taken before the visit Stronger relaxation, you may feel very tired or fall asleep Yes [IV sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/iv-sedation) Medicine goes into a vein through an IV line Deeper relaxation, you may not remember the visit Yes [General anesthesia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-anesthesia) Medicine given so you are fully asleep Deepest level Yes Dentists also group sedation into levels, such as minimal sedation and moderate sedation. Different sources draw the lines in different places, so ask your dentist what level a plan means in plain words. ## How does nitrous oxide work, and what is it like? Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a gas you breathe through a mask or nosepiece. Cleveland Clinic says you start to feel calm and relaxed within three to five minutes. It does not put you fully to sleep. Here is what a visit with nitrous oxide often looks like: 1. Your dentist asks about your health and any medicines you take. 2. A small mask goes over your nose. 3. Gas and oxygen flow together, and the dose is adjusted until you feel relaxed. 4. The dentist usually adds a local anesthetic before treatment. 5. When treatment ends, you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes. Cleveland Clinic says you can drive shortly after receiving nitrous oxide. This is the main practical difference from the other types. Cleveland Clinic also says laughing gas is a safe sedation option for most people, from children to adults, but it may not suit children under age 2 or people with certain breathing conditions. That is why your dentist reviews your health history first. Common side effects are mild. If you feel dizzy or sick to your stomach, your dentist can lower the dose. Tell the team how you feel during the visit. ## What do oral sedation and IV sedation involve? Oral sedation means you take a prescribed medicine about an hour before the visit. Cleveland Clinic says it can make you feel very tired, and you may fall asleep. The team can wake you if they need you to open wide or turn your head. IV sedation sends medicine straight into the bloodstream through a line in your arm. Staff watch your heart rate and blood pressure and adjust the dose. You may fall asleep and not remember the procedure afterward. For both, you must plan a ride home. Cleveland Clinic says you should not drive for 24 hours after oral or IV sedation, and that you should take it easy the next day. Your dentist may also ask you to fast for several hours before the visit and to hold some of your regular medicines. These two types are described here for education. This page does not say that Town Center Dental offers them. For the practice’s own list, see its [sedation dentistry page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry). ## Who gives sedation, and what does Missouri law require? Missouri law sets permit rules for dentists who give deeper sedation. RSMo 332.362 says licensed dentists in Missouri who prescribe and administer deep sedation or general anesthesia agents must hold a deep sedation or general anesthesia permit from the Missouri Dental Board. Dentists who give conscious sedation agents must hold a conscious sedation permit. The statute also covers the office. Any dental office where these agents are given must hold a site certificate from the board and meet its minimum standards. The statute is on the Missouri Revisor of Statutes website, which is a government source. Who gives the medicine varies. Cleveland Clinic says that for IV sedation, a dental anesthesiologist may give the medicine while your dentist does the procedure. That is a general example, not a statement about any one office. You are free to ask any dental office: - Which types of sedation do you provide? - Do you hold the Missouri permits and site certificate that apply? - Who watches me during treatment? - How will you check my heart rate and breathing? - What do I need to do the night before and the morning of the visit? A clear office answers these without hesitation. ## Is sedation dentistry safe? Sedation carries risks, and the risks rise with the depth of sedation and with your health. Cleveland Clinic says some people have allergic reactions to sedatives, and that sedation medicine may cause side effects. Staff monitoring, a health review and the right permits all matter. A web guide cannot tell you what is right for you. That takes an exam and a health history. These factors often change the plan: Factor Why it matters Medicines you take Some medicines change how sedation works, so your dentist may adjust the plan Pregnancy Cleveland Clinic says some sedatives may affect fetal development, so your dentist may suggest waiting Breathing or heart conditions Your dentist may choose a different approach Age Children need extra care, and Cleveland Clinic says nitrous oxide may not suit children under 2 Length of treatment Longer visits sometimes call for a deeper level Be honest on your health form. Tell the team about every medicine, supplement and allergy. If you ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia, say so. ## How do you choose a type of sedation? You choose together with your dentist. Cleveland Clinic says the dentist will recommend a type based on your level of anxiety, how long the procedure will take, your health and your preferences. Some questions can help you decide: 1. How strong is my fear? A little worry may need only a calm explanation or nitrous oxide. Severe fear may call for more. 2. How long will the work take? 3. Can I arrange a ride and a quiet day afterward? 4. Do I have health conditions the dentist should know about? 5. Do I want to be awake and talking, or would I rather not remember the visit? Cleveland Clinic lists situations where a dentist may suggest sedation. They include fear of needles, claustrophobia in the treatment chair, and needs that make it hard to relax. If these sound like you, say so when you call. Sedation is one tool. Many people also do well with simple steps: telling the team, agreeing on a stop signal, and booking a quiet time of day. Our [dental anxiety guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-anxiety-guide) covers those steps in detail, and the practice’s [dental anxiety management page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-anxiety-management) describes its own approach. ## What should you do before and after a sedation visit? Follow the written instructions from your dentist’s office. The general pattern, per Cleveland Clinic, is below. When What to do A few days before Share your medicine list. Ask whether to hold any medicines. The day before Plan a ride home if the type needs one. Clear your schedule. Before the visit Follow any fasting instructions. Ask how long to avoid food and drink. After nitrous oxide You breathe oxygen to clear the gas. Cleveland Clinic says you can drive shortly after. After oral or IV sedation Rest. Do not drive for 24 hours. Take it easy the next day. If you still feel groggy Cleveland Clinic says to call your dentist if you still feel groggy after 24 hours or have nausea and vomiting. For children, side effects can differ. Cleveland Clinic says a child’s side effects should go away within 48 hours, and the dentist should watch the child until the sedation wears off. ## What if you want to avoid sedation? You do not have to use sedation to get care. Cleveland Clinic lists other tools for fear of the dentist, including distraction with music or video, guided imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation. It also suggests agreeing on a stop signal and choosing a dentist who listens to you. A simple first step is a short talk before any treatment. Tell the office what worries you. Ask the dentist to explain each step before it starts. Many people find that a plan they understand feels easier, even without medicine. If your fear is strong, you can combine approaches. For example, a person might use relaxation methods and also ask about nitrous oxide. Your dentist will talk with you about which mix makes sense. ## What signs show an office takes sedation seriously? You cannot judge this from a website, so ask. A careful office will: - Ask for a full health history and a list of your medicines. - Explain the plan in plain words and answer your questions. - Tell you who will watch you during treatment and how. - Give written instructions for before and after the visit. - Tell you which Missouri permits and site certificate apply to the type of sedation you want. - Check your recovery before you leave. If an office cannot answer these, wait and ask more questions. A short delay costs little. A rushed choice about sedation can cost a lot. ## Will insurance or the office cover sedation? Coverage varies by plan and by type. Some plans cover certain sedation for certain procedures, and others do not. Town Center Dental gives each patient their own estimate and publishes no fees, so call before the visit to ask. Ask your plan three things before you book: whether the type of sedation is covered, whether a pre-authorization is needed, and what your share will be. Our page on [insurance and financing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) explains how to ask the office for help with this. ## Next step Read what Town Center Dental says about its own comfort care on the [sedation dentistry page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry). Then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment) to talk with the team about your visit. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the side effects of nitrous oxide at the dentist? Cleveland Clinic says that if you feel dizzy or nauseous, your provider can adjust the dose until it feels comfortable. The gas wears off in minutes once the flow stops, and pure oxygen clears it. Your dentist will review your health history first and tell you what to expect. ### What should I expect from IV sedation? In general, a provider places an IV line in your arm and gives medicine through it. Staff watch your heart rate and blood pressure. You may fall asleep and not remember the visit. You need a ride home. Ask any office whether it offers it. ### Can sedation help with dental anxiety medication needs? Sedation is one way to manage fear, and talking therapies and relaxation methods are others. Cleveland Clinic lists both. Tell your dentist you are anxious so they can suggest options. Our dental anxiety guide covers non-drug steps, and our sedation page describes what the practice offers. ### Do dentists in Missouri need a permit to sedate patients? Yes, for deeper levels. RSMo 332.362 says Missouri dentists who prescribe and administer deep sedation, general anesthesia or conscious sedation agents must hold a permit from the Missouri Dental Board, and the office needs a site certificate. You can ask any office about its permits. ### Can I have sedation if I am pregnant? Cleveland Clinic says you should keep your regular check-ups during pregnancy, but your dentist may suggest waiting until after pregnancy for procedures that involve sedation, because some sedatives may affect fetal development. Tell the office you are pregnant when you book. ## Terms on this page - [Pre-authorization (pre-determination)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pre-authorization-pre-determination) - [Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) - [Numbing (dental numbness)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/numbing-dental-numbness) - [Oral conscious sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-conscious-sedation) - [General anesthesia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-anesthesia) - [Moderate sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/moderate-sedation) - [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic) - [Minimal sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/minimal-sedation) - [Dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety) - [IV sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/iv-sedation) ## Sources 1. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (types)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 2. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (who gives IV sedation)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 3. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (choosing a type)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 4. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (nitrous oxide onset)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 5. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (oral sedation timing)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 6. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (oral sedation effects)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 7. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (IV monitoring)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 8. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (rides home)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 9. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (driving after oral or IV)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 10. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (fasting)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 11. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (medicines)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 12. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (allergic reactions)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 13. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (still groggy)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 14. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (children)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 15. [Cleveland Clinic: Sedation Dentistry (pregnancy)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry) 16. [Cleveland Clinic: Nitrous Oxide (driving)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) 17. [Cleveland Clinic: Nitrous Oxide (who it suits)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) 18. [Cleveland Clinic: Nitrous Oxide (age)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) 19. [Cleveland Clinic: Nitrous Oxide (dizziness)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) 20. [Cleveland Clinic: Nitrous Oxide (oxygen)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) 21. [Revisor of Missouri: RSMo 332.362, permits](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=332.362) 22. [Revisor of Missouri: RSMo 332.362, site certificate](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=332.362) 23. [Cleveland Clinic: Dentophobia (distraction)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists) 24. [Cleveland Clinic: Dentophobia (stop signal)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists) 25. [Cleveland Clinic: Dentophobia (choosing a dentist)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental Anxiety: 12 Ways to Make the Visit EasierDental anxiety is a common fear of dental visits. Cleveland Clinic says about 36% of people in the U.S. fear dental treatment. You can ease it by telling the team, agreeing on a stop signal, using relaxation, and asking about options such as nitrous oxide. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-anxiety-guide) - [Nitrous Oxide at the Dentist: Side Effects and SafetyNitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a gas you breathe through a small nose mask to help you relax. You stay awake. You may feel light-headed or have tingling, and the effects wear off soon after the mask is removed. Vomiting is the most common reported side effect. Tell your dentist about your health first.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/nitrous-oxide-at-the-dentist-side-effects-and-safety) - [Dental Work During Pregnancy: What ADA and ACOG SayThe ADA and ACOG both say dental care is an important part of prenatal health. The ADA says routine care, X-rays, and local anesthesia are considered safe at any point in pregnancy. Tell your dental team you are pregnant and share your due date. Your dentist and obstetrician can answer personal questions.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-work-during-pregnancy) - [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and GoThe ADA and the AAP say to schedule your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Most visits are short. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and habits, and plans future check-ups. Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) - [Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To CallA dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) - [Dental Insurance Explained: Deductibles, Maximums and NetworksDental insurance usually has a monthly premium, a deductible you pay first, coinsurance or copays after that, and a yearly maximum the plan will pay. PPO plans give you more dentist choice than dental HMOs. Waiting periods, frequency limits and exclusions decide what is paid, so read the plan before treatment.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-insurance-explained) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)