If you’ve been looking for ways to get your dental anxiety under control, it may be a good idea to ask your dentist about having sedation dentistry administered at your next appointment. However, it’s important to remember that there are multiple forms of sedation to choose from, and each one comes with its own benefits. Which type of sedation dentistry is ultimately the best choice in your case? Here’s a closer look at your options.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation used at dental offices. It involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nasal mask. The effects of the gas will help you stay calm and unbothered by your surroundings; it may also induce mild feelings of euphoria.
Unlike other forms of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide wears off within minutes once it stops being administered. As such, it’s a good option for patients who want to be able to return to work immediately after their dental visit.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, you’ll be given a pill to take at a certain time before your appointment begins. Once the effects of the sedative kick in, you’ll be deeply relaxed and somewhat drowsy; however, you will remain awake and able to respond to your dentist’s instructions.
Oral conscious sedation offers deeper relaxation than nitrous oxide, making it suitable for patients with higher levels of anxiety. On top of that, it also has an amnesic effect, meaning you likely won’t remember what happened during your appointment; this is often good news for those who are anxious about visiting the dentist.
IV Sedation
Some dental practices offer IV sedation, which involves delivering the sedative directly into the bloodstream. Your dentist will pay close attention to the level of sedation and will adjust the dosage to keep you comfortable and safe at all times.
IV sedation is the strongest form of sedation dentistry that does not involve putting the patient to sleep. Since it’s delivered into the bloodstream, it takes effect almost immediately, letting you quickly enter a relaxed state. Like oral conscious sedation, IV sedation makes it unlikely that you’ll remember much of the procedure afterward.
Which Kind of Sedation Dentistry Should You Choose?
The type of sedation dentistry that’s best for you depends on the specifics of your situation. For example, nitrous oxide is often a good choice for patients with mild feelings of anxiety; meanwhile, IV sedation tends to be more suitable for those who have stronger dental fears or need particularly complex treatments.
If you speak to your dentist, they can explain your options for sedation dentistry in more detail, and they can help you figure out which one is the best choice for you. With the right form of sedation dentistry, you can look forward to a much more comfortable and relaxing dental visit.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew R. Glynn went to The Ohio State University for his dental education. He has served as a dentist in the Air Force, and he has completed continuing education courses in digital dentistry, endodontics, and various other topics. At Glynn Dental of Reynoldsburg, he uses nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to help nervous patients have more positive dental experiences. If you’re looking for a dentist who offers sedation dentistry, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Glynn by visiting his website or calling (614) 864-4618.