Many people skip checkups because of fear or anxiety. Sedation offers a safe, calm dental experience. Contrary to popular belief, it usually doesn’t put you to sleep. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation work to calm anxiety, though some medications cause drowsiness. Some work so well you may not remember the sounds or smells of your visit.
Bring a caregiver. Some sedatives are taken the night before, so don’t drive to or from your appointment.
Benefits
- Anxiety relief
- Few side effects
- More done in each visit
- No needles (for oral sedation)
- No pain
- Safe
- Treatment seems to go faster
Types of sedation
Before any sedative, we review your full medical history and current medications. Mild, moderate or deep sedation can be used depending on your needs.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
A mild sedative breathed through a small nose hood throughout your visit. It lifts your mood, relieves anxiety and reduces pain, sometimes with a little tingling. It has few side effects and has been used safely in dentistry for many years.
Oral conscious sedation
A great choice if you fear needles. You take medication by mouth before treatment for moderate sedation. You stay awake, but your senses are dulled and most people don’t remember the procedure. More medication can be given during the visit if needed.
IV sedation
Moderate sedation given directly into a vein, so it works immediately. Many people say it felt like they slept through it. It’s generally used for shorter treatments, and you may feel groggy afterward, so you’ll need a driver.
Medications used for oral sedation
Most are benzodiazepines, which reduce anxiety. Each lasts a different length of time, so the choice depends on how long your treatment will take.
| Medication | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Valium® | Long, complex procedures (long-acting, causes some memory loss) |
| Ativan® | Treatments under two hours (medium-acting, best known for easing anxiety) |
| Halcion® | Shorter procedures (short-acting) |
| Versed® | Visits under 30 minutes (shortest-acting; used less often) |