La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Calm, Relaxed Visits
Sedation helps you feel at ease so needed care at our Coulee Region offices feels more manageable.
Nitrous Oxide for Kids
For children, we use nitrous oxide, a gentle sedation option that helps young patients stay relaxed in the chair.
IV Sedation for Adults
For adults, IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation, which can help with longer or more involved treatment.
No Referral Out
We offer IV sedation here in Wisconsin's Coulee Region, so you can stay with our team close to home.
No Judgment Here
Whether you feel anxious or it has been a while, we explain your options clearly and kindly.
If your heart starts racing at the thought of a dental chair, or you have put off care for years because of a bad experience, you are not alone. At Rivertown Dental, we offer sedation dentistry at our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua, so families across Wisconsin's Coulee Region can get the care they need while feeling calm. We see patients of all ages, and we never judge how long it has been since your last visit. Our goal is simple: help you feel relaxed enough to get healthy again, close to home.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental treatment. We offer two options: nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Each works differently, and each suits different people and situations. Your dentist will talk through both with you and recommend the one that fits your needs and your treatment plan.
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative you breathe through a small mask over your nose. It takes the edge off anxiety while you stay awake and able to respond. Nitrous oxide is the option we use for children, which makes it a good fit for young patients who feel nervous about cleanings, fillings or other care. IV sedation is our option for adults. It is given through a vein and offers a deeper level of relaxation, so it can be helpful for longer appointments or more involved treatment. Because we keep advanced care local, adults who need IV sedation can receive it from our team without a referral out of the area.
The best way to find out whether sedation is right for you is to talk with us at a consultation or exam. Sedation is not only for people with strong dental fear. It can also make sense in a range of everyday situations, such as:
- Feeling anxious or tense about dental visits in general
- Needing a longer appointment or several treatments at once
- Having a sensitive gag reflex or trouble sitting still
- Preparing for oral surgery, an extraction or dental implant treatment
- A child who feels nervous and would benefit from nitrous oxide
At your first visit, we listen before we recommend anything. Your dentist will review your health history and any medications you take, ask about past dental experiences, and explain your treatment in plain language. If sedation is a good fit, we will go over which type we suggest, why, and how to prepare. Please share your full health history with us, because it helps us choose the safest and most comfortable approach for you.
What does sedation feel like during treatment?
Most patients describe sedation as a feeling of calm and ease while their dentist works. With nitrous oxide, you or your child will typically feel light and relaxed while remaining awake. With IV sedation, adults experience a deeper sense of relaxation, which many find helpful for longer or more complex visits.
Sedation works alongside the comfort touches that are part of The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. During your appointment, you may be offered a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones or essential oils. These small details, paired with clear explanations from our team, help make the whole visit feel more manageable.
How will I feel after sedation, and what aftercare is needed?
How you feel afterward depends on the type of sedation you receive, and we will give you clear instructions before you leave. Nitrous oxide generally wears off soon after treatment, so many children and adults return to their normal routine fairly quickly.
IV sedation lasts longer, so adults should plan ahead. You will need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay nearby while the effects wear off. Your dentist will explain what to expect for the rest of the day based on the treatment you had. The real result of sedation is the care it makes possible: finishing treatment you may have avoided, and getting back on track with regular cleanings and exams.
How can I pay for sedation dentistry?
We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call your office to confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and will review costs with you before treatment begins.
For patients who want to spread out payments, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to credit approval. If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans with cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance.
If nerves have kept you from the dentist, we would love to help you take the first step. Call the Rivertown Dental office closest to you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule a visit and talk about your sedation options. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Talk Through Options
We review your health history and goals, then help you choose between nitrous oxide and IV sedation.
- 2
Relax During Treatment
Our team monitors your comfort throughout your visit while your dentist completes your care.
- 3
Recover With Guidance
We share clear aftercare instructions and let you know what to expect as the sedation wears off.
Questions
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What is the difference between nitrous oxide and IV sedation at Rivertown Dental?
Nitrous oxide is a light, breathable sedation that helps you feel calm during your visit, while IV sedation is given through a small line in your arm for a deeper level of relaxation. Across our Coulee Region offices, we use nitrous oxide for children and adults who want help taking the edge off, and we offer IV sedation for adults. During your visit, we will talk through which option fits your needs and the treatment you are having.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation can be a good fit if dental visits make you anxious, if it has been a while since your last appointment, or if you are planning longer treatment such as implants or oral surgery. Nitrous oxide is our sedation option for children from age 2, and IV sedation is available for adults. We will review your health history first, and you will never get any judgment from us about how long it has been.
Will I feel pain during my treatment with sedation?
Sedation is designed to help you feel relaxed and comfortable, and we pair it with the numbing your treatment calls for. Every person experiences care a little differently, so we check in with you throughout and explain each step clearly. Our Ascent Experience also adds comforts like warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and essential oils.
How long does it take to recover from sedation?
Recovery depends on the type of sedation, and nitrous oxide typically wears off much faster than IV sedation. With IV sedation, plan on having a trusted adult drive you home and take it easy for the rest of the day. Before your appointment, we will give you clear instructions so you know exactly what to expect.
Does insurance cover sedation, and are there payment options?
Coverage for sedation varies by plan, so please call your Rivertown Dental office and we will help you confirm your benefits, since we work with many dental insurance plans. If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans (the VIP Program) offer Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans that include a discount on treatment. Third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance is also available to patients who qualify.