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What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can help ease any dental anxiety or fears you may have and keep you comfortable during your appointment. During your visit, your provider can discuss sedation options available to help you have a worry-free dental care experience.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

• Inhaled minimal sedation: You breathe in nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation: Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Triazolam, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it's usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, but you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation they fall asleep during the procedure.
• General anesthesia: You'll be given medications that will make you almost unconscious during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.