Nitrous Oxide Sedation at Lance Family Dental

Best dentist in Festus, MO

What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

It’s possible to manage your anxiety in my dental office with modern medicine and techniques. If you’re worried about being drowsy during your appointment, we can use the mild sedative of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help take the edge off.

If you are having dental anxiety, then we can talk about options that can help you feel at ease. This can be done by administering the mild sedative of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help calm your nerves.

Female patient at Lance Family Dental receiving nitrous oxide sedation for a stress-free dental visit in Festus, MO.

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Nitrous oxide has been used for more than 150 years as a safe and effective sedative. It is the most commonly used sedative in dentistry, and is especially popular with patients who are anxious about dental work. Nitrous oxide helps people quickly feel calm and relaxed, and it also helps to take away any pain they may feel.

With nitrous oxide, the sedative is no longer in your system when the appointment is finished. Nitrous oxide is known to be fast-acting and quickly eliminated from the patient’s body after use, making it a smart choice for patients who have appointments with relatively short waiting periods between them.

Nitrous oxide is a gas that is commonly used in dental surgeries and other medical procedures to help patients feel less pain. One of the most interesting facts about nitrous oxide is that it’s quickly absorbed by the body and eliminated within minutes of leaving the patient.

Nitrous oxide, also known as NO2, is a gas that is used in dental surgeries. It’s quickly absorbed by inhalation and has a few effects on the human body. It helps to induce a state of euphoria and calm, which can be helpful for people who are experiencing anxiety during the procedure. Nitrous oxide is considered an anxiolytic (an anti-anxiety treatment).

There are other medications we can prescribe that you can take before you arrive (with a driver) which will also cause mild sedation so you are relaxed for your visit. Some people even choose to combine the two options to enhance the sedative effects.

Dr. Lance’s mission is to make every patient feel comfortable and to limit anxiety as much as possible. By listening to his patients, he can better cater to their visit needs. He wants his patients to know that they are not just a number or just another face, but that they are someone that he truly cares for. 

Levels of sedation:

Minimal (mild) sedation: You are awake, but medications make you feel more relaxed. There is a reduction in both anxiety and your level of awareness.

Moderate sedation: You are awake, but you feel groggier and there is a more significant reduction in anxiety and awareness. You will be able to respond to verbal commands and your protective airway reflexes are still in tact. 

Deep sedation: You are near unconsciousness or are unconscious. Your airway reflexes are not in tact and you need advanced airway support. This level of sedation is not offered at our practice.

What our patients are saying

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Monica
September 9, 2026
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"Best dental experience I have ever had. The office is spotless, the hygienist was gentle and thorough. The front desk staff is also super professional and helpful with reminders.
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Melody Stewart
September 8, 2026
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Lance Family dental is a welcoming office! Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. Professional, thorough, and genuinely caring. I highly recommend them!
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Amanda H
August 28, 2026
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The ladies at this office are truly wonderful. I was a new patient and there was a bit of a wait to get in - but now I understand why. They are kind, empathetic, and answered all my questions and/or concerns with professionalism. Up-to-date tools/technology as well. A well-managed dental office and I highly recommend them.
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Prudence Willard
August 27, 2026
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Such a wonderful caring staff. Dr. Lance and his team are amazing!
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Cathy Tourville
August 23, 2026
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Very Friendly and professional staff at Lance Family Dentistry.
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Joseph Luck
August 22, 2026
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My kids love Lance Family. Lance Family has super friendly staff and you can pick a show to watch while you lay back.
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Tracy Paul Trahan (Paul)
August 15, 2026
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Very professional staff. Effectively and efficiently processed new patient application.
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AndyFZ6R
August 12, 2026
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Great family dentist office, nice staff, friendly text reminders for appointments. New office coming soon to be able to help more families with dental needs, Angela is the most thorough dental hygienist I've ever had and makes it easy to recomend people to Lance family dental.
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Ann Adams
August 8, 2026
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This place is the best! My first visit they made me feel so comfortable. They asked me questions about me, trying to get to know me. They explained everything they were doing. And there was a tv on the ceiling to watch while my teeth were getting cleaned! I definitely recommend!!!!
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Tammra White
August 6, 2026
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I love how friendly the entire staff are!! They make you feel comfortable and are very skilled and thorough at what they do!!
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Kelly Withington
August 4, 2026
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Finally I am comfortable at the dentist.
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Brent Axley
August 3, 2026
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They are good.
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Alyssa McKelvey / Meador
July 24, 2026
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I have had wonderful experience with all the staff there. It has been a wonderful transition for us.
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Steve Uzzell
July 7, 2026
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Lance Family is top shelf ! Each visit has been exceptional - professional, informative and very kind. I can finally say that I have “MY Dentist”.
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Peyton Waters
June 20, 2026
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The hygienist that cleaned my teeth was the sweetest! This place overall is very welcoming and cozy!
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Georgia Pinson
June 15, 2026
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Very friendly, fast and communicates well!
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Tammy Howard
June 13, 2026
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I am 58 years old & can honestly say that Lance Dental is the best Dental Office I have ever used And not just for me, as my grown daugher & here family agree. My 10 year old granddaughter says she never wants to see any other Dentist. Additional, I have very strong dental anxiety. Dr. Lance's team always make sure I am completely conforfirtable before starting any procedure!

Voted Best of Jefferson County Winner in 2025 and recognized as a Finalist in 2026.
We’re honored to be recognized for the quality of care we provide and the trust of our community.