Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of sedatives. Oral sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and cooperation. Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry you receive, it is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you to the procedure. The caregiver should drive you home after the procedure is complete and stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.
IV
Intravenous sedation, also or sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep,” is a type of anesthesia that relaxes a patient through an intravenous (IV) placed in a vein. Depending on the surgical procedure, the amount of anesthesia used may range from a minimal amount, just enough to make a patient drowsy, to an amount deep enough that the patient may not remember the procedure at all.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” is a type of sedation breathed through the nose and mouth. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide.