Patients young and old can receive “laughing gas”, also known as nitrous oxide. This mild sedative is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose by way of a special mask. You should start feeling its effects within a few moments of breathing it in; you will not be unconscious, but you’ll feel very content about what is going on throughout the procedure. After the mask has been removed, the effects of the sedation should wear off quickly so that you can drive yourself home and continue with your daily routine.

NITROUS OXIDE DENTAL SEDATION

If nitrous oxide isn’t enough, you may receive a stronger kind of sedation called IV sedation. You’ll receive the medication intravenously, meaning it’s delivered directly to your veins. The dosage can be adjusted as needed to ensure that you stay comfortable and safe. It’s sometimes called “twilight sleep”, but that’s a misleading name; you’ll still be awake so that you can respond to any questions or requests we might have for you during the process. After the sedation wears off, you probably won’t remember anything about the treatment itself. For any appointment that involves IV sedation, you should bring an adult you trust with you so that they can drive you home and keep an eye on you while you’re still under the effects of the medication.

IV SEDATION

If nitrous oxide is not enough but you do not want to have an IV you can also receive conscious sedation. The Doctors will give you a pill before your procedure to relax you. You may also get a pill the night before to allow you to get a great sleep. The medication may also be combined with nitrous oxide to give you the optimal sedation level. This will allow you to be relaxed for the entire duration of your dental treatment.

CONSCIOUS SEDATION