Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, which is more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is commonly used to relax patients during dental procedures. Patients are conscious while being administered laughing gas, but it wears off very quickly once the face mask is removed. Patients who only receive laughing gas are often allowed to drive themselves home after a procedure, as it has very few side effects. The relaxation is very mild, and you’ll start to feel the gas very quickly, sometimes as soon as 30 seconds after you start breathing it in.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves the patient taking a prescribed dose of sedative before a dental procedure. Depending on the case, they may take one pill the night before, and one pill an hour before you have the procedure, or otherwise as directed by your dentist or doctor. Although this kind of sedation leaves you awake for the procedure, it does an outstanding job of relaxing a patient, and those with higher levels of anxiety often benefit from this type of dentistry.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation has a few variations: the first is what’s known as “twilight,” the patient is conscious, but not very aware of their surroundings. This sedation makes you feel sleepy, and you may not remember any of the procedure once it’s over. However, you are not unconscious, and if the dentist needs to wake you up, it’s possible.
The other option is general anesthesia, which is relatively uncommon as far as sedation dentistry. Only patients who require significant oral surgery, or who are completely resistant to other types of sedation, will need general anesthesia. This kind of sedation makes the patient unconscious and needs to happen in a hospital or a specialized clinic with either a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist administering the sedative and monitoring your vital signs.
Do I Need Sedation Dentistry?
Talk to your dentist about your concerns and fears of visiting the dentist. Your dentist will recommend a type of sedation to help your specific case. Sometimes patients with sensitive nerves or small mouths need comfort, simply because the procedures in these patients cause more pain and discomfort. Some patients need sedation to overcome the worries and anxieties associated with dentistry or medical procedures.
For information about dental anxiety and sedation dentistry, call La Costa Dental Excellence at 760-633-3033.
Contact La Costa Dental Excellence:
760-633-3033
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7730 Rancho Santa Fe Rd Ste 106
Carlsbad, California
92009