Types of Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety is a common thing to experience. But what matters is how your dentist can help you feel relaxed and comfortable in such a situation. If you want to undergo any dental procedures without pain or anxiety, your dentist can offer sedation dentistry. There are different methods of sedation, and your dentist can determine which type is right for you. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a pill-form medication that helps you relax. It is taken by mouth about an hour before your appointment.

Most patients report being entirely comfortable and at ease during their appointment. Oral conscious sedation does not cause sleep, but it does help patients relax. The effects of the medication wear off hours after your dental visit, so patients can drive themselves home.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most common form of sedation. The medicine is administered through a small, colorless mask placed over the patient’s nose. The patient breathes normally while the sedative takes effect. Patients feel light-headed or euphoric but will be able to respond to verbal cues from the dentist.

IV Sedation

IV sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to keep patients comfortable during long or complex dental treatments. It’s also great for patients who have a fear of the dentist’s office or who experience dental anxiety.

IV sedation dentistry is a blend of medications given through an IV. The medications are designed to relax patients and can be used to manage pain and anxiety as well. Patients respond differently to medications, but nearly all patients find IV sedation dentistry to be highly effective.

General Anesthesia

Patients who undergo complicated dental procedures may require general anesthesia. This type of sedation dentistry involves administering a medication that puts you in a deep sleep for the entire procedure. You typically won’t remember anything that happened while under general anesthesia, so this type of sedation is usually reserved for the most serious procedures.

To learn more, please schedule an appointment online or call All Smiles Family Dentistry at (319) 553-3085 to have a consultation with Dr. Jennifer A. Stevenson or Dr. Sarah Cyr, and we will be happy to help.