Oral Conscious Sedation
Your dentist will prescribe a sedative you should take an hour prior to your appointment. If you have a higher level of dental anxiety, the doctor may prescribe an oral sedative to be taken at home one hour before bed as well. You will need to have a ride to and from your appointment. Patients receiving oral sedation are not permitted to drive for at least 24 hours following their appointment.
I.V. Sedation
IV or Intravenous Sedation is used to provide pain relief in dentistry. An injection of sedative is given to the patient prior to a painful procedure such as a tooth extraction. The patient becomes drowsy and experiences no pain during the procedure.
IV Sedation is a safe alternative to anesthesia, especially for patients with heart disease, children with certain medical conditions, diabetics, etc. During IV sedation the patient is able to breath on their own.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous, a sedative gas, is the most common sedation method in dentistry. It is inhaled by the patient. Patients experience a dizzy feeling then feel happy and elated. Nitrous Oxide works quickly and leaves the system just as quickly.