Sedation dentistry consists of administering medication, such as pills or nitrous oxide (sometimes referred to as “laughing gas”), to relax or sedate the patient during dental procedures. Patients might need sedation for a wide range of reasons, including:

• Sensitive teeth
• Pronounced gag reflex
• Fear or anxiety
• Other issues that might create extra challenges during the procedure

Sedation Options And Benefits

Sedation that uses nitrous oxide can leave the patient unconscious while the procedure is performed, or it can keep the patient awake but numb (additional medications may be administered for the patient’s desired comfort level).

Each patient can react differently to these sedation options; to ensure safety and comfort, constant monitoring by a medical team will take place during the procedure. Benefits for the patient include a more relaxed experience. What’s more, a relaxed patient usually means the procedure can be completed more quickly.

Administering sedation can be accomplished in one of several different ways, including:

• Oral Sedation – A pharmacological agent administered prior to treatment to alleviate anxiety and help patients relax.
• Inhalation Sedation – Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide creates a euphoric feeling that makes dental treatments more pleasant.
• IV Sedation – Delivers sedation medications faster, which means you’ll be able to feel the effects of the medication quickly.

If you experience anxiety with dental treatments, sedation dentistry may be the right solution for you. Call us today to make your appointment and discuss sedation options!