Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Options in Highland, IN

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)

A mild, non-invasive option that helps your child relax during dental procedures. Administered through a small mask, nitrous oxide works quickly and wears off once the mask is removed, allowing your child to resume normal activities right after the procedure.

It's not a sedative in the traditional sense. It doesn't put your child to sleep or make them unaware of what's happening. Instead, it takes the edge off — helping them feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable enough to get through a procedure without distress.

How it Works

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that's mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small, soft mask that rests over your child's nose. Within a few minutes of normally breathing, most children begin to feel a sense of warmth and relaxation. Your child remains fully awake and able to respond and communicate throughout the entire procedure.

Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, typically within a few minutes, because the gas leaves the body through normal breathing. There's no lingering grogginess, and no recovery period. Most children are ready to go back to school or carry on with their day as soon as they leave the office.

What it's Used For

Nitrous oxide works well for a wide range of situations, from routine cleanings for a child who tends to feel anxious, to fillings, extractions, or other procedures that might otherwise be difficult to complete comfortably. It's also a good option for children with a sensitive gag reflex, or for longer appointments where sitting still for an extended period is a challenge.

In-Office Anesthesia Teams

For more complex procedures or children who need a little extra support to feel comfortable, we partner with specialized pediatric anesthesia teams to provide IV sedation and general anesthesia right here in our office, no hospital visit required.

We work with two trusted anesthesia partners: Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates (PDAA) and Access Anesthesia.

Both teams bring their own equipment, supplies, and support staff, so everything your child needs is in place before the procedure begins. Every anesthesia visit includes pre-op and post-op communication to make sure families know exactly what to expect — before, during, and after.

Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates (PDAA) specializes exclusively in pediatric dental anesthesia. Their board-certified anesthesiologists have advanced pediatric training — the same level of expertise found at children's hospitals — and a safety record built over more than 20 years. PDAA uses short-acting, adjustable medications so sedation can be stopped at any moment, and your child can wake up within minutes if needed. They use hospital-grade monitoring and maintain emergency readiness throughout every procedure. Importantly, they avoid opioids and do not use full general anesthesia, your child continues breathing naturally the entire time.
Access Anesthesia provides both IV sedation and intubated general anesthesia depending on each patient's needs. Their anesthesiologist is always accompanied by a paramedic or nurse to ensure the highest level of care throughout the procedure. Access Anesthesia accepts Illinois Medicaid, making in-office anesthesia a more accessible option for families who might otherwise face significant barriers to treatment.

In-office anesthesia is a safe, cost-effective alternative to hospital or surgery center settings and for many children, it makes it possible to complete necessary dental work in a single visit, in a familiar environment, with a team they already know and trust.