Comfortable, stress-free dental care for patients who need a little extra relaxation
If the thought of a dental visit makes you uneasy, you're not alone. Millions of adults avoid dental care because of anxiety or fear—and the longer care is delayed, the more complex (and costly) treatment becomes.
At Altamar Dental Studio, we offer sedation options that let you receive the care you need while feeling calm and comfortable. Whether you need a little help taking the edge off or deeper relaxation for a longer procedure, we have you covered.
Also known as "laughing gas"
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a comfortable mask placed over your nose. It takes effect within minutes and creates a feeling of calm and relaxation while you remain fully conscious and able to communicate.
Mild to moderate anxiety, routine procedures, patients who want to feel relaxed but stay fully alert. Great for cleanings, fillings, and shorter procedures.
Prescription medication (Halcion/triazolam)
For patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, we prescribe Halcion (triazolam)—a safe, well-established sedative taken by mouth before your appointment. It provides a deeper level of relaxation while you remain conscious.
Moderate to severe anxiety, longer procedures, patients who have avoided dental care due to fear, complex treatments like implant placement or multiple extractions.
| Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation | |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Level | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| How administered | Inhaled through a nose mask | Pill taken 1 hour before |
| Consciousness | Fully alert | Conscious but deeply relaxed |
| Recovery time | Minutes | Several hours |
| Can drive after? | Yes | No — companion required |
| Memory of procedure | Full memory | Little to no memory |
Not sure which option is best for you? We'll discuss your needs and recommend the right approach during your consultation. Your comfort is always the priority.
You feel nervous, anxious, or fearful about dental visits—even routine cleanings.
You've been putting off dental work because of fear or anxiety, and your oral health has suffered as a result.
A strong gag reflex makes dental procedures uncomfortable or difficult.
You need extensive work done—such as multiple extractions, implant placement, or a full-mouth restoration—and want to be comfortable throughout.
A difficult dental experience in the past has made you wary of returning to the dentist.
Some patients find that local anesthesia alone doesn't fully control discomfort. Sedation can help you relax while we ensure complete numbness.
Yes. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation have long, well-established safety records. We review your complete medical history and current medications before recommending any sedation. Your vital signs are monitored throughout your procedure.
No. With both nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you remain conscious. Nitrous oxide keeps you fully alert but relaxed. Oral sedation creates a deeper relaxation where you may feel drowsy and have little memory of the procedure afterward, but you are not unconscious.
The effects of Halcion can last several hours after your appointment. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the medication has fully worn off—typically by the next morning.
For oral sedation, we typically recommend a light meal a few hours before your appointment. We'll provide specific instructions when we schedule your visit. For nitrous oxide, no special preparation is needed.
Sedation coverage varies by plan. As a self-pay practice, we'll provide transparent pricing upfront. Smile Club members receive discounted rates, and we accept CareCredit and HFD financing for all treatments including sedation.
In some cases, yes. For patients with significant anxiety undergoing longer procedures, combining both can provide an optimal comfort level. We'll discuss this during your consultation if it may be appropriate for your situation.
Call us to discuss which sedation option is right for you. We'll take the time to understand your concerns and create a plan that puts your comfort first.