Does your heart start pounding at the simple thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you pass a dental practice?
Many people who have improved their smile with cosmetic dentistry or underwent extensive restoration care chose to use sedation. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are commonly used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s discuss the three main types of sedation used in dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is ordinarily called. Nitrous oxide has been used in cosmetic dental offices for decades because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the procedure, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental procedures, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be the wisest option.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually result in complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in ‘conscious’ sedation. Two of the most frequent sedatives used by Phoenix dentists are diazepam and triazolam.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in true ‘sleep dentistry.’ Most patients are oblivious to what is going on in their mouth. IV sedation is often used for services such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile transformations. (The sedation will wear off shortly after the procedure, so you won’t need a handsome prince’s kiss to wake you up.)
For more details about sedation dentistry, adult braces, tooth implants, or porcelain veneers, call The Norterra Dentist at 623-780-3333.
Contact The Norterra Dentist:
(623) 780-3333
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2370 W Happy Valley Rd #1073
Phoenix, AZ
85085
