by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreMany patients experience anxiety or nervousness when visiting the dentist, especially when facing periodontal procedures or dental implant treatment. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers multiple sedation options that create a comfortable and stress-free experience. Two of the most common options are IV Sedation and nitrous oxide. Although both help patients relax, they are not interchangeable. They differ in strength, purpose, and when each is recommended.
At Dr. Rana Baroudi’s periodontal practice in San Jose, sedation dentistry is personalized to each patient’s needs. Understanding the differences between these two sedation methods can help you feel confident and prepared for your upcoming treatment.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the most frequently used forms of mild dental sedation. The gas is inhaled through a small nasal mask, helping patients feel calm and relaxed while remaining fully conscious during the procedure.
Once you begin inhaling the gas, nitrous oxide works quickly. Most patients feel lighter, more at ease, and less focused on the sights and sounds around them. Although you remain awake and aware, your anxiety decreases and discomfort becomes easier to tolerate. The effects fade within minutes after the mask is removed, allowing patients to return to daily activities without downtime.
Nitrous oxide is gentle, safe, and ideal for mild anxiety or shorter procedures. Its advantages include:
These qualities make nitrous oxide an excellent option for routine periodontal therapy and minor treatments.
Nitrous oxide is best suited for patients who experience mild anxiety or nervousness before dental care. It is also beneficial for those who need:
Procedures such as dental cleanings, periodontal maintenance visits, and simple restorative treatments often rely on nitrous oxide to make the experience more comfortable.
For patients interested in nonsurgical periodontal treatment, our page on scaling and root planing provides additional information on how deeper cleanings help address gum disease.
IV Sedation provides a much deeper level of relaxation compared to nitrous oxide. The sedative medication is administered intravenously, allowing the periodontist to control the depth of sedation throughout the visit. Many patients feel extremely calm, drowsy, or unaware of the procedure as it takes place.
At Dr. Baroudi’s practice, IV Sedation is provided by skilled professionals trained in sedation dentistry, including Dr. Trung H. Nguyen, DDS, MS. This ensures a safe and predictable experience for patients with moderate to severe anxiety or those undergoing complex periodontal and implant procedures.
IV Sedation begins with the placement of a small catheter in the arm or hand. Once the medication is administered, patients enter a deeply relaxed state. Although not fully unconscious, most patients feel as though they slept through the procedure and retain little or no memory of the experience.
Throughout the appointment, your vital signs are continuously monitored using medical-grade equipment. Sedation levels can be adjusted instantly, ensuring comfort and safety at every moment.
IV Sedation offers several important advantages:
These benefits make IV Sedation a preferred choice for surgical procedures or for individuals who have avoided dental treatment due to fear or previous negative experiences.
IV Sedation is recommended for:
Because IV Sedation provides such a deep level of comfort, it is particularly valuable for patients undergoing advanced periodontal care or implant placement. Patients preparing for dental implant surgery may also find our article on implant-supported bridges helpful when considering long-term restorative options.
Although both sedation options help patients relax, they differ significantly in strength, effect, and purpose. Below is a clear comparison of how they differ.
Nitrous oxide provides mild relaxation, reducing anxiety while keeping you fully awake. IV Sedation induces a deeper state of calm, often allowing patients to drift in and out of sleep while remaining responsive to instructions.
Patients receiving nitrous oxide typically remember the procedure clearly. IV Sedation often results in partial or complete memory loss of the appointment, which is ideal for those with high anxiety.
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a nasal mask, while IV Sedation is delivered directly into the bloodstream, offering precise control over sedation levels.
Nitrous oxide wears off quickly once the mask is removed, allowing patients to resume normal activities almost immediately. IV Sedation requires more recovery time, and patients will need a responsible adult to accompany them home after the appointment.
Nitrous oxide is intended for simple, short, or nonsurgical treatments. IV Sedation is designed for longer, surgical, or more complex procedures such as dental implant placement or gum grafting.
Selecting the appropriate form of sedation depends on your level of anxiety, the type of treatment you require, your medical history, and your personal comfort preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Baroudi and Dr. Nguyen will thoroughly review your needs, answer your questions, and recommend the safest and most suitable sedation method.
You may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide if you:
Nitrous oxide is widely used for periodontal cleanings, minor restorative care, and other routine forms of dental treatment.
You may be an ideal candidate for IV Sedation if you:
IV Sedation is especially beneficial for complex procedures such as dental implants, bone grafting, and surgical periodontal therapy.
At our San Jose periodontal practice, patient safety is always the highest priority. Before administering any type of sedation, we conduct a thorough medical evaluation and review any medications or health conditions that may influence treatment. During the procedure, our team monitors your oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and sedation depth to ensure a consistently safe experience.
Our combination of advanced technology, expert training, and a patient-centered approach allows us to offer sedation dentistry that is comfortable, predictable, and tailored to each individual.
While both IV Sedation and nitrous oxide can make dental care easier, their roles are very different. Nitrous oxide provides light relaxation for routine procedures, while IV Sedation offers deep comfort for surgical or complex treatments. Understanding the differences can help you feel confident about your options and prepared for your visit.
If you have been delaying care because of anxiety or uncertainty, sedation dentistry may be the solution that helps you receive the periodontal treatment you need without stress or discomfort.
If you are unsure which sedation method is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baroudi and her team. Together, you can review your treatment plan, discuss your comfort preferences, and determine the ideal form of sedation for your needs.
Learn more about IV Sedation and how it can make your periodontal treatment more comfortable.
