If you have mild to moderate dental anxiety or are afraid of the dentist, it can make getting even a routine exam and cleaning a struggle. But thankfully, your dentist offers options to help anxious patients feel calm and comfortable during treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation are two very popular treatments that are used by your dentist to assist patients who are fearful, but how do you know which method is best? Here’s a closer look at each sedation option, and who it’s ideal for.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that when inhaled creates a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Nitrous oxide is administered through a comfortable tube that gently sits inside the opening of the nostrils. It is mixed with pure oxygen, and to enjoy its benefits, you simply breathe it through your nose. This allows your dentist to work in your mouth unobstructed, and you to feel much more peaceful during treatment.
When your treatment is complete, your dentist will turn off the nitrous oxide and have you remain seated while you breathe pure oxygen for five minutes. You can then go about the rest of your day with no side effects from the sedative. You can even drive home!
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered via an oral sedative prescribed by your dentist prior to your appointment, so you’ll need to arrange for this treatment in advance and bring your sedative with you. In about thirty minutes to an hour, oral conscious sedation creates a deeper calm than nitrous oxide, however it is also longer lasting, meaning that you will also need a ride to and from your appointment. Following your treatment, you’ll want to return home and rest. Some patients may be able to return to work the next day depending on the type of procedure they had. For more complicated treatments like tooth extractions, you may need a few days to recuperate even after the sedative has left your system.
Oral conscious sedation keeps you fully awake and aware during treatment, however you may not remember a lot of your procedure. Don’t worry, however! That’s completely normal.
Which is Best for You?
The type of sedation you choose is between you and your dentist and should take into consideration your medical history and your level of dental anxiety. For those who are very anxious or who will be having a longer procedure or several procedures at once, oral conscious sedation is often a better fit, however if you have only mild anxiety or are only having a short treatment, you may prefer nitrous oxide sedation. Be sure to go over your entire medical history and let your dentist know about any medicines you are taking (both OTC and prescription, including vitamins) as there is a potential for dangerous interactions with some medications.
Remember, sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients who are nervous or fearful of the dentist, or who have a weak gag reflex. If you are interested in learning more about how sedation can benefit you, speak to your dentist today for more information.
About Our Practice
At Palm Dental Professionals, our trio of talented and caring dentists understand that going to the dentist can be scary. They also know that if you’re too afraid to go to the dentist, you can’t protect your smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of sedation dentistry options for patients of all ages. Whether you’re too nervous for a routine exam and cleaning or need sedation to help relax you for a more involved treatment like a root canal or crown placement, we’re here to help. To learn more about your sedation options and to arrange for sedation at your upcoming appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 561-404-4325.