If visiting the dentist makes you feel uneasy, you're not alone! And sedation dentistry might be the perfect solution for you. Designed to ease dental anxiety, sedation dentistry allows you to stay relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Whether you need help managing fear, a strong gag reflex, or discomfort with longer procedures, this option can make a world of difference.
At Cedar Avenue Family Dentistry in Flagstaff, Dr. Madison Kurz and Dr. Kevin Chittenden offer sedation dentistry to help you feel at ease while receiving the expert care your smile deserves. There’s no need to let fear hold you back from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile.

Laughing gas has been safely used in dentistry for over 150 years!
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Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who feel nervous or fearful about dental care. It helps you stay calm and relaxed so you can focus on the positives of restoring your smile without unnecessary stress.
With the help of sedation, even lengthy or involved dental treatments can be performed with little to no discomfort. This means your experience is gentler and more manageable, no matter the procedure.
By addressing your fear of the dentist, sedation dentistry makes it easier to schedule and complete necessary treatments. This supports long-term oral health by preventing more severe issues in the future.

It all starts with a friendly consultation at our office. Dr. Kurz or Dr. Chittenden will take the time to understand your unique needs, fears, and preferences. They’ll explain the different sedation options available, such as nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, and help you choose what’s right for you. You’ll leave this visit feeling reassured and confident about the plan moving forward.
On the day of your procedure, your comfort is our top priority. If nitrous oxide is chosen, you’ll inhale the gas through a small mask, feeling effects within minutes. For oral conscious sedation, you’ll take medication in advance to ensure you’re fully relaxed before we begin. Throughout the procedure, you’ll remain responsive but in a calm, dream-like state. Our team will carefully monitor you every step of the way to ensure your safety and comfort.
After your treatment, most patients recover quickly from sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off in just a few minutes once the mask is removed, allowing you to safely resume your day without lingering effects. If oral sedation was used, you will be required to have someone drive you home to relax and recover. Before you leave, we’ll provide aftercare instructions and tips to ensure a smooth recovery. We’re always here to answer your questions or concerns!
During sedation dentistry, you won’t feel pain thanks to the combination of sedation and dental anesthetics. The sedative ensures that your anxiety and discomfort are minimized, while local anesthesia will effectively numb the treatment area. Together, these measures create a pain-free and relaxed experience for our patients.
Not with nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. You will remain awake but deeply relaxed. You’ll be able to respond to instructions or questions, but you’ll feel very calm and at ease. For certain procedures, deeper sedation may be offered. But generally, sedation dentistry helps you stay comfortable without complete unconsciousness.
The effects of laughing gas wear off very quickly, usually within just a few minutes after the mask is removed. This fast recovery time makes it an excellent choice for patients who need to continue with their daily activities shortly after their visit. In fact, most patients can safely drive themselves home post-treatment.
Laughing gas is simply another name for nitrous oxide. It’s called “laughing gas” because it often induces feelings of happiness or giggles for some patients. It’s a popular choice in sedation dentistry for its ability to relax patients while keeping them fully awake and responsive during treatment.
Yes, nitrous oxide is widely considered safe for use in both adults and children. It’s a well-established sedation method in dentistry and has been used for decades. Side effects are rare and minimal, and the effects of the gas wear off quickly after the procedure. You’ll be closely monitored throughout your treatment to ensure a safe and stress-free experience.
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that helps patients feel relaxed and calm during dental procedures. It’s inhaled through a mask placed over the nose and begins working within minutes. It’s safe for both adults and children and is often used to ease anxiety or discomfort during treatment.
Coverage for sedation dentistry varies depending on your individual insurance plan. While most insurance providers won’t fully cover it, they may contribute if the sedation is deemed medically necessary, such as for specific procedures or severe dental anxiety. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to review your benefits. Our team is also happy to help by reviewing your plan and explaining your financing options.
