I’m going to the dentist and am planning on asking for dental sedation. I keep hearing there are several types. Can you help me to know which type needs to be used?
Annie
Dear Annie,
It’s great that you’re looking for a way to get your dental care under control. Dental sedation has changed many patient’s lives who otherwise wouldn’t get the dental care they needed.
Be aware, your dentist will do a consultation with you before your appointment to go over any medications you’re on currently. Make sure you either bring them or a list of them, including any over-the-counter medication.
Two Levels of Dental Sedation
- Level One: Nitrous Oxide
If you just need something to relax you a bit, then this would be the best solution. It’s sometimes dubbed laughing gas. Aside from relaxing you it has an additional benefit of you being able to get on with your day immediately after your appointment.
Using a nose piece, you’ll simply bring in the gas. You’ll feel nice and floaty. Then, after your dental work is done, they’ll switch the mixture to oxygen and you’ll feel clear headed and will be able to drive yourself and move on with your day.
- Level Two: Oral Conscious Sedation
This level of sedation is for patients with a higher anxiety factor. They need something stronger to completely relax them. All you have to do is take a pill. However, it is strong. You’ll be completely relaxed.
In fact, you’ll be so relaxed you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as well as stay with you for a while afterward until you are lucid again. You don’t want to risk a fall.
Most people sleep through this appointment and it also allows the dentist to get more work done at each appointment.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.