Sedation Dentistry: Managing Dental Anxiety
Even though today’s anesthetics are excellent for preventing pain, dental anxiety remains incredibly common. Some patients feel mild nerves before a routine cleaning, while others have such strong dread that they put off care for years. These worries may come from a tough childhood experience, heightened tooth sensitivity, or simply the unfamiliar sounds and sights in a dental office.
Unfortunately, putting off dental visits rarely makes the fear go away.
In fact, missed checkups can let cavities and gum disease worsen, sometimes creating bigger—and more uncomfortable—problems later on. Poor oral health has even been linked to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes complications, according to the CDC. But with empathy and supportive care, you can break the cycle at any stage.
If anxiety has held you back, you’re not alone. At Starbody Dental, our doctors understand because they’ve faced dental fear themselves. Many of our patients say this is the first office where they genuinely felt understood and respected.
Sedation dentistry combines safe, calming medications with a gentle, judgment-free approach. While numbing agents handle physical discomfort, sedation is all about helping you feel relaxed and emotionally at ease before and during treatment.
We tailor the level of sedation to your needs and based on the treatment. Some patients just need a little nudge of relaxation. Others benefit from a deeper option that lets them nap lightly through their appointment. Our priority is to open the door to care for anyone who would otherwise stay away out of fear.
You might know nitrous oxide as “laughing gas.” It’s inhaled through a small mask and typically provides quick, soothing relaxation, sometimes leaving you a little giggly. When the mask comes off, the effects fade fast, so many patients can even drive themselves home afterward.
Oral sedation works differently. You’ll take a prescription pill before your appointment, leading to deep relaxation, with some patients feeling like the entire visit just melted away. You might need a friend or family member to bring you, as the medication’s calming effects can linger for several hours.
When delivered by well-trained dental professionals, sedation has a long track record of safety. Dosages are always carefully selected based on your age, weight, health, and procedure. Before recommending sedation, our team will discuss your medical history (including conditions like asthma or sleep apnea) and any medications, to find your safest option.
Most healthy adults and children experience minimal side effects. Nitrous oxide wears off in minutes, while oral sedation may leave you sleepy for a few hours—hence the need for a ride sometimes. If you have concerns, we’re always happy to answer questions and talk through safety in more detail during your visit.
We know the practical side matters. Nitrous oxide is usually the most budget-friendly (about $50–$100 per visit). Oral sedation, which requires a prescription and extra monitoring, may run $200–$300. IV sedation (sometimes needed for extensive treatment or complex cases) costs more due to the equipment and training required.
Insurance sometimes helps cover sedation if there’s a medical necessity (for example, in children or patients with certain health conditions). If not, you can use HSA/FSA funds, CareCredit, or our membership plan for more manageable payments. Our team can walk you through all available options so you never feel caught off guard.
IV sedation brings fast, deep relaxation, with medication given directly into the bloodstream. For patients with severe dental fear or those combining multiple procedures, this is sometimes the only way to get the care they need. Most remember little or nothing about the visit.
The downside? IV sedation is more expensive, requires a longer recovery, and is only available in some offices. In select cases, we may refer you to a trusted local provider for this service to ensure your absolute safety and comfort.
Sedation is just one tool in a much bigger comfort toolbox. At Starbody Dental, personalized care might also include:
These supportive touches can help you build confidence at your own pace. Many patients find, over time, that they rely less on sedation as positive experiences add up.
For more on creating a calmer visit, see our article on how sedation dentistry transforms dental experiences.
Can you get addicted to dental sedation?
No. These medications are strictly limited to clinical use during visits and are not prescribed for home use. Dependency simply isn't a concern.
How should I prepare if I’m anxious?
Try to rest well the night before, skip caffeine, and bring whatever helps you feel comfortable, whether that’s your favorite music, coziest socks, or a list of questions you want us to answer.
Is sedation safe for children?
Yes, especially nitrous oxide. It’s gentle, wears off fast, and doesn’t require a recovery period. Combine it with breaks and upbeat encouragement for best results. Learn more about family-friendly dental visits in our comprehensive dentistry overview.
What if I’ve experienced trauma or have specific triggers?
Please let us know. We have experience supporting patients with trauma histories and tailor every step for trust, communication, and consent. Sometimes, pairing trauma-informed care with sedation makes all the difference.
Avoiding the dentist may feel easier in the moment, but it can lead to worsening dental health and even jeopardize your overall well-being. Cavities, gum recession, and oral infections can eventually have ripple effects—sometimes even impacting how confident you feel in your day-to-day life.
When you experience care in a supportive environment with effective sedation options, many patients tell us it’s life-changing. Not only does your health improve, but you also discover a new sense of control and peace in the dental chair.
At Starbody Dental, our entire team is dedicated to helping you feel welcome and safe, whatever your dental history may be.
From gentle nitrous oxide and oral sedation to simple comfort strategies, we customize every visit to support you. If dental anxiety or fear has kept you away, let us help you take the next step toward healthy, confident smiles.
Call our Murfreesboro office to set up a no-pressure consultation or reach out to us online. Together, we’ll help you feel at home with your care.
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
