Laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation all help you relax during dental treatment. They differ in how they’re given, how deeply they work, and how long they stay with you afterward. Seasons Dental in Burley offers all three, and knowing the differences makes it easier to talk with any dentist about which one fits your appointment. Below are five dental offices serving the Burley area, followed by a closer look at how each type of sedation compares.
- Seasons Dental
- All Valley Dentistry
- Town Square Dental – Burley
- Magic Valley Family Dental
- Evans Dental Burley
1. Seasons Dental
Seasons Dental is a general dental practice at 425 N Overland Ave in Burley that offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Dr. Chad Bodily, DDS, earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa and is licensed in sedation dentistry. Dr. Ty Bodily, DMD, earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University and has completed postgraduate training in sedation, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. The practice uses sedation for routine care as well as crowns, implants, and wisdom tooth removal.
The American Dental Association describes sedation in levels: minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia. The five differences below explain where each common option usually falls.
How is each type of sedation given?
Laughing gas is inhaled, oral sedation is swallowed as a pill, and IV sedation goes directly into a vein. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen breathed through a small mask over your nose. Oral sedation is a prescription pill, usually taken about an hour before treatment. IV sedation is delivered through a thin line in your arm or hand, which lets the dentist adjust the dose during the procedure.
How relaxed will you feel, and will you remember anything?
Laughing gas provides minimal sedation, while oral and IV sedation go deeper. With nitrous oxide you stay fully aware and can answer questions, but you feel calmer and a little light. Oral sedation usually reaches minimal to moderate levels: you stay awake but drowsy, and some patients drift off. IV sedation typically reaches a moderate level, and many patients remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward.
How quickly does it start and wear off?
Nitrous oxide works within a few minutes and fades within minutes after the mask comes off. Oral sedation takes roughly an hour to take effect, and drowsiness can linger for several hours afterward. IV sedation starts almost immediately because it enters the bloodstream directly. Expect to feel groggy for the rest of the day.
Can you drive yourself home?
Most patients can drive after laughing gas, but not after oral or IV sedation. Once the nitrous oxide is off and you’ve breathed pure oxygen for a few minutes, you can usually return to normal activities. With oral or IV sedation, you’ll need an adult to drive you home, and you should plan to rest instead of going back to work.
Which procedures and patients suit each option?
Laughing gas fits mild nerves and shorter visits, while oral and IV sedation suit stronger anxiety and longer or surgical procedures. Nitrous oxide works well for cleanings, fillings, and patients with a sensitive gag reflex. Oral sedation helps people with moderate to severe anxiety or those combining several treatments into one visit. IV sedation is often chosen for implant placement, wisdom tooth extraction, and lengthy restorative work.
Preparation also differs. Nitrous oxide usually needs little preparation, while oral and IV sedation come with instructions about eating, medications, and arranging a ride. Idaho requires dentists to hold an additional permit from the Idaho State Board of Dentistry to provide moderate sedation or deeper levels.
2. All Valley Dentistry
All Valley Dentistry is a dental office located in Burley. Contact the office directly to ask which comfort options it currently provides.
3. Town Square Dental – Burley
Town Square Dental has an office on East Main Street in Burley and another location in Rupert. It’s a convenient option for residents near central Burley.
4. Magic Valley Family Dental
Magic Valley Family Dental is a dental practice in Burley that serves patients from the surrounding area. Call ahead to ask about the services that fit your needs.
5. Evans Dental Burley
Evans Dental is a dental office located in Burley. Patients can contact the office to learn more about scheduling and available treatments.
Which sedation option should you choose?
The right choice depends on your anxiety level, your health history, and the procedure you need. Laughing gas suits people who want to take the edge off and drive home afterward. Oral sedation offers deeper calm with more planning. IV sedation provides the most control for longer or surgical work. Whatever you’re leaning toward, bring your medication list and questions about recovery to your consultation.
If you’re weighing laughing gas, oral, or IV sedation for an upcoming procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chad Bodily or Dr. Ty Bodily at Seasons Dental to find the option that fits your treatment and comfort level.
