If you’ve ever put off a dental appointment because of anxiety or fear, you’re not alone. We talk to patients every day who’ve had a tough experience in the past or who simply feel uneasy about getting dental work done. At Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, we get it—and more importantly, we’re here to help.
Led by Dr. Charles Schof, our Mandeville, LA dental team focuses on compassionate care, and for many patients, that includes sedation. Whether you're nervous about being in the chair, undergoing a longer procedure, or just want to make the process easier, sedation can be a game-changer.
Let’s walk through the different types of sedation we offer and how we personalize each option to help you feel calm, comfortable, and confident in your care.
Dental anxiety can feel overwhelming. Maybe it started in childhood, maybe it stems from a painful past procedure, or maybe it’s simply the fear of the unknown. Whatever the cause, we’ve seen firsthand how dental anxiety can prevent people from getting the care they need.
That’s where sedation comes in. Sedation helps remove the emotional barrier that keeps many people from coming in, letting us focus on your treatment—and letting you feel relaxed, safe, and supported.
But it’s not just about calming your nerves. Sedation can also help us complete more treatment in fewer visits, which is especially helpful if you need extensive dental work. It’s all about giving you a smoother, easier experience from start to finish.
Every patient is different, which means every sedation plan should be too. At our Mandeville dental office, we offer three types of sedation to suit different needs and levels of comfort: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Let’s break each one down so you know what to expect.
Nitrous oxide is a light form of sedation that’s been used safely for decades. You’ll breathe it in through a small mask placed over your nose, and within minutes, you’ll begin to feel calm and slightly euphoric. Some people describe it as a floaty or giggly sensation—which is how it got the nickname “laughing gas.”
What to Expect:
This is a great option if you have mild anxiety or are nervous about numbing or minor procedures. The best part? Once we’re done, we turn off the gas and the effects wear off almost immediately. You’ll be alert, refreshed, and able to drive yourself home or go back to your normal routine—whether that’s heading to work or picking up the kids.
If you need a little more help getting through your appointment, oral sedation might be the right fit. This method uses a combination of prescription pills—one taken the night before and another taken the morning of your appointment—to help you feel deeply relaxed by the time you arrive.
What to Expect:
You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment since the effects of oral sedation last longer than nitrous. During the procedure, you’ll be conscious and able to respond to us, but you’ll feel drowsy and at ease—and afterward, you may not remember much at all. It’s perfect for patients with moderate anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing longer procedures.
We typically suggest that patients plan to take the rest of the day off. You’ll need to rest, avoid making big decisions, and let your body fully recover before resuming your normal activities.
For patients with high anxiety, a severe fear of dental work, or a need for significant dental treatment, IV sedation is the most advanced and controlled option we offer.
With IV sedation, we bring a licensed nurse anesthetist into our office whose sole responsibility is to administer and monitor your sedation. This ensures a high level of safety while allowing Dr. Schof to focus entirely on your treatment.
What to Expect:
The sedative is administered directly into your bloodstream, which allows for rapid onset and a deeper level of relaxation than oral sedation. You’ll remain conscious, but likely won’t remember much—if anything—about the procedure.
Just like with oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you and stay with you afterward. Most patients feel groggy for the rest of the day and are advised to avoid driving, working, or making important decisions.
We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to sedation. Choosing the right option depends on a few key factors:
That’s why we always have a thorough conversation with you before your procedure. We want to understand what makes you anxious, how you’ve responded to sedation in the past (if at all), and what your ideal experience would look like.
At Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, we believe the best care happens when we listen first. So whether you’re just a little nervous or completely overwhelmed by the thought of dental treatment, we’ll help you find the sedation option that makes sense for you.
Patient safety is our top priority—and that’s especially true when it comes to sedation.
We use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish. During your procedure, we monitor:
Whether it’s nitrous oxide, oral medication, or IV sedation, our team is fully trained to respond quickly to any changes or medical needs. And with a licensed nurse anesthetist overseeing our IV sedation cases, you can rest assured that you’re in experienced, capable hands.
Sedation has been one of the most impactful additions to our practice. It’s allowed us to open our doors to patients who might have avoided the dentist for years—or even decades.
Some patients have told us they haven’t had dental work done since childhood because of a bad experience. Others come in shaking or crying, afraid of what’s to come. But when we introduce the idea of sedation, we see a visible shift. There’s relief. There’s hope. And by the time we’re finished, there’s often a smile.
With sedation, we’re able to:
It’s not an exaggeration to say sedation has changed lives—including ours. Seeing someone go from terrified to empowered is what makes this work so meaningful.
If you’ve ever:
… then yes, sedation could be a great fit for you.
We’re here to talk through it all—no pressure, no judgment. We’ll walk you through each option, answer your questions, and help you feel confident moving forward.
At Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, we don’t just care about teeth—we care about people. That means making sure you feel safe, heard, and supported every time you visit.
If sedation can help you get the care you need without fear or stress, we’re proud to offer it. Let’s find the right option together, so you can enjoy a healthier smile and a better dental experience from the very beginning.
Ready to take the first step toward easier dental care? Give us a call at (985) 626-4404 or schedule your consultation today. We’ll help you feel at ease—every step of the way.
