You’re not alone if you feel anxious about an upcoming dental appointment. An estimated 15% to 36% of the global population gets nervous when it’s time to check their teeth. Unfortunately, if you’re overly fearful, you might avoid scheduling treatments that can protect and preserve your smile.
Thankfully, many dentists offer sedatives to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit, and there’s more than one kind available. Continue reading to learn more about 3 potential options so you can decide which one works best for you!
Type #1: Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is considered the safest choice for the most amount of people. It’s usually considered the mildest form of sedation for patients of all ages, including children.
This medication is inhaled through a gas mask placed over your nose while your dentist works. It typically induces a relaxed, euphoric sensation as oxygen is diverted away from your brain, slowing your central nervous system so it’s less responsive to sensation. The effects kick in almost immediately once it’s inhaled and fade just as quickly when your procedure is complete, and the mask is removed.
Type #2: Oral Conscious
This sedative is prescribed as a pill, with directions to swallow it before arriving for your appointment. That way, the drugs kick in by the time your dentist starts your treatment. This is considered somewhat stronger than nitrous oxide, though you’ll still be awake and able to respond to your provider’s questions or directions. However, you might not remember many details of your procedure after the fact, a fact that many anxious patients appreciate.
There are a few different medications that can be used for oral conscious sedation, including midazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam. These drugs induce a relaxed, drowsy sensation that can linger, so it’s best to have someone you trust to drive you home afterward.
Type #3: Intravenous (IV)
If you have a longer or more invasive procedure or suffer from severe anxiety, your dentist might recommend IV sedation. This medication is administered directly to your system through a vein and is generally considered more potent than the alternatives. Regardless of whether you receive local or general anesthesia, you will have little to no memory of your experience.
This type of sedation comes with potential risks, like allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, so your dental team will closely monitor your stats the entire time you’re under its influence to ensure everything remains within acceptable parameters.
If you’re unsure which of these sedatives is ideal for your unique circumstances, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Smile Design Implant Centers benefit from two experts who work together to offer a variety of services that can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. Dr. Ricciardi is one of 500+ dentists in North America designated as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, and Dr. Winfield is a board-certified prosthodontist. They work together to provide customized treatment plans to meet your unique needs, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver safe, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (775) 391-6636.