For many individuals, dental visits can provoke anxiety and fear, leading to delays in receiving necessary dental care. Patient comfort and care are our priority, so we offer several methods to keep you calm while you receive the care you need. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist describes the three commonly used types of sedation in dentistry: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a mild form of sedation that is widely used in dental practices for its safety and efficacy. It involves administering a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask that fits over your nose. It induces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, reducing anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, allowing you to resume your daily activities without any lingering sedation. Nitrous oxide is safe, effective, and suitable for most patients, including children.
Oral Sedation
If you need a little more relaxation, oral sedation may be for you. This level involves taking prescribed medication in pill form prior to the dental procedure. It is more potent than nitrous oxide and is commonly utilized for patients with moderate dental anxiety.
You will take approximately an hour before your appointment and need to have someone accompany you to and from the dental office as the medication can cause drowsiness. Although you are conscious, you may not remember much about the treatment afterward. It can help patients with moderate dental anxiety feel more comfortable, allowing for smoother dental procedures.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is the most potent form of sedation dentistry. It involves administering sedatives through an IV line, which allows for precise control of the sedative’s effects. It induces a state of deep relaxation and can range from moderate to deep sedation, often causing patients to fall asleep during the procedure. It is frequently used for more complex or invasive dental treatments. IV sedation allows for a more profound level of relaxation, making dental procedures more tolerable for patients who experience severe anxiety or have extensive dental needs.
Contact Our Office for More Information
Whether you require a mild form of sedation or deeper relaxation for complex procedures, there is a sedation method suitable for your needs. We can work together to determine the most appropriate sedation technique to make your dental visit comfortable and stress-free. For more information, call your Cerritos, CA dentist’s office at (562)584-4082.
