Relax at the Dentist with Sedation Dentistry

Who Benefits from Sedation?

Nitrous Oxide

Alternately known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide provides relaxing effects when breathed through your nose. Nitrous puts you into a euphoric and calm state that helps to ease anxiety or restlessness. This is the mildest form of sedation and has no aftereffects, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment.

Oral Sedation

Taken by mouth a few hours before your appointment, oral sedation is an anti-anxiety medication that puts you into a very calm state. While the effects last, you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed and won’t be anxious about what is happening around you. Oral medication may last longer than your appointment, so it’s advised that you have someone drive you home afterward.

IV Sedation

Administered intravenously, IV sedation is highly customizable and highly effective at easing discomforts associated with dental appointments. Many patients fall into a light sleep during their visit though they will always be awake enough to respond to verbal commands. If you have more severe anxiety or do not want to remember your appointment, IV sedation is ideal for you.

General Anesthesia

Only reserved for highly complex dental surgeries and those with dental phobia, general anesthesia is medically controlled unconsciousness. Often, patients needing this form of anesthesia receive treatment in a hospital setting, unless the dentist office has a fully equipped surgical suite. An anesthesiologist will be at your appointment to monitor all your vitals during your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home and a few days of rest to fully recover after your treatment.

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