What Are the Different Types of Sedation?

Do you or a family member struggle with dental anxiety? For some people, fear of going to the dentist makes getting necessary oral healthcare very difficult. Thankfully, dental sedation eases even severe anxiety. Sedation can be used for long, complex dental procedures and for when a person can’t sit comfortably still for any reason. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are two different types of dental sedation available to help patients feel more comfortable at the dentist.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, which is commonly called “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a mask. After a few seconds, the effects kick in and you’ll feel calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide doesn’t knock you out, however, so you’ll remain awake and able to answer questions. Once your procedure is done, we’ll remove the mask. Most patients quickly return to normal with no lingering side effects.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is taken in pill form, which makes it a convenient method of sedation. It can take around 30-60 minutes to take effect so you’ll swallow the pill before your appointment. As with nitrous oxide, you’ll feel relaxed and forgetful, but you aren’t knocked unconscious. It can take longer to recover from oral sedation, so you will need to take the rest of the day to relax. We can use oral sedation for anxious patients, as well as patients with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, and heart disease.

Dental Sedation at Ryan Dental in Olathe, KS

Dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. At Ryan Dental, we’re committed to providing a stress-free, comfortable experience for everyone. For some patients, their treatment plan will include dental sedation. Safety is our top priority so we’ll go over your medical history, including any medication you’re taking, before recommending any type of sedation. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment with our team, please get in touch today!

Categorized in: Sedation Dentistry