Does the thought of attending a dental visit make you feel antsy on the inside? This is much more common than you may think. More than 30 million Americans experience some level of stress when going to the dental office. However, it’s important that you get the dental care you need to keep your smile healthy. The good news is that there are multiple sedation options out there to make your treatment more comfortable. Continue reading to learn about each one and how they affect you.
What Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Feel Like?
Nitrous oxide is the fancy, scientific term for laughing gas. This mild sedation method is used for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. It can be used for both routine visits and advanced procedures. The nitrogen and oxygen blend is delivered to you through a mask that is placed over your nose. You will be conscious and alert while simultaneously feeling relaxed and free of fear. One of the great things about nitrous oxide is that it doesn’t have lingering effects. You can even drive yourself home after your appointment!
What Does Oral Conscious Sedation Feel Like?
Oral conscious sedation is a medication that is taken about an hour before your treatment. This pill makes you feel mildly or moderately sedated, but you remain conscious – hence the name. It will help you to feel deeply relaxed and free of worry. You will also be aware of your surroundings and able to communicate with your dental team while under sedation. Because this option is stronger than nitrous oxide and can make you feel groggy, you will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home.
What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?
Intravenous sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream. This sedation option provides a much deeper sense of sedation than oral consciousness or nitrous oxide sedation. Unlike general anesthesia, you may awake, but you likely won’t remember much of your treatment afterward. IV sedation gives patients similar effects to oral conscious sedation but on a more amplified level. This is ideal for those who have severe dental phobia and/or extensive dental work to be completed.
What Does General Anesthesia Feel Like?
General anesthesia is the most powerful form of sedation. It enables patients to sleep through their visit with no memory of what happened during treatment. This method is reserved for those with extreme fear and patients who need multiple dental procedures completed in a single appointment.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting the essential dental care you need. If you have dental anxiety, don’t hesitate to let your oral surgeon know. You can work together to find a solution that works best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is an experienced oral surgeon serving patients in the Carmichael area. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of California, San Francisco, graduating at the top of his class. Then, he furthered his education by pursuing his medical degree. Dr. Ji is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. For more information on sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (916) 961-1902.