Exploring Conscious Sedation Dentistry for a Stress-Free Experience
Sedation is widely recognized as a treatment for anxious or fearful dental patients. This involves the use of medication that relaxes your body & mind.
The most common form of sedation is conscious sedation, which allows you to be awake & able to communicate with the dentist. You will not sleep through your procedure, but you will feel drowsy, calm & comfortable. Though you will be awake, you may have trouble remembering details about your appointment. In fact, you may not remember any of it!
There are three types of conscious sedation available to dentists: nitrous oxide gas, oral (pill) sedation & intravenous (IV) sedation.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, is the lightest form of sedation. It is given to patients through a small mask that covers the nose. It works almost instantly, & the dentist can precisely adjust the amount of gas you are breathing whenever you need more or less. The biggest advantage of nitrous oxide is that once the dentist turns it off, you’ll be back to normal within a few minutes! You will be able to drive home after your appointment is over. Side effects are rare, but most often include nausea, headaches & dizziness.
Oral Sedation
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Overview
Before receiving any of these forms of sedation, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare. First, you will need to consult with us to see if you are a candidate for sedation. There are a number of medical conditions that dental sedation can worsen, including heart, lung & liver dysfunction. Nursing or pregnant women cannot receive sedation because it may endanger the life & development of their child. Talk to our team or your primary care doctor about your diagnoses & the potential risks of sedation.
Then, you will need to provide us with a list of the prescription & over-the-counter medications & dietary supplements you take regularly. Some may interact negatively or dangerously with dental sedatives.