4 Types of Dental Sedation & How They Make You Feel

Dental sedation is used in a variety of situations, ranging from helping an anxious patient relax during their appointment to making a lengthy or extensive procedure more comfortable. Who knows, at your next dental appointment, you may be able to benefit from sedation! Read on to learn more about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, as well as general anesthesia and what types of feelings they invoke.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are four types of sedation that dentists typically offer, each with their own unique ways of being administered and effects. Depending on the type of procedure you’re receiving, as well as experiences you have at the dental office (like a sensitive gag reflex, anxiety, or overstimulation), your dentist may recommend one of the following:

• Nitrous Oxide: Known as the mildest form of dental sedation, nitrous oxide is administered in-office through a nose mask. The effects kick-in nearly immediately and the sedation can be adjusted throughout the appointment.
• Oral Conscious Sedation: Administered in the form of a single pill before or at the beginning of the visit, oral conscious sedation is excellent for those with more moderate anxiety or who will be sitting through lengthier procedures.
• IV Sedation: As one of the strongest forms of conscious sedation, IV sedation is administered through an intravenous line directly into the blood stream for stronger effects. This medication can be adjusted throughout the appointment.
• General Anesthesia (Sleep Dentistry): General anesthesia is the only method listed that isn’t a form of conscious sedation. This means that patients are rendered completely unconscious during their treatment.

How Does Dental Sedation Make You Feel?

The feelings that you’ll experience during sedation will depend on the type that you receive. Many patients notice the following effects:

• Nitrous oxide allows patients to feel a deep sense of relaxation and euphoria that wears off quickly after treatment.
• Oral conscious sedation is typically a medication like Valium. It causes patients to feel sleepy and sometimes groggy afterwards. The effects usually wear off within a few hours.
• IV sedation causes patients to feel drowsy, calm, and tingly. Most patients don’t remember anything about their experience. IV sedation also helps minimize senses of pain or discomfort.
• General anesthesia makes patients feel like they drifted off into a deep sleep. Any sense of time passing is lost and no pain is felt.

If you would like to know more about how the dental sedation that you’ll be receiving at an upcoming appointment will make you feel, it’s best to speak with your sedation dentist in Gilbert directly.

Although the thought of going under sedation may feel nerve-wracking, it can help you have an overall positive dental experience. Plus, with clear guidance and good expectation-setting with your dentist, you can rest-assured knowing the ins-and-outs of the process.

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie has over 20 years of experience and regularly takes continuing education courses to stay up to date with the latest advancements and expand her skillset. She has trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies and does everything she can to help her patients feel comfortable while in the treatment chair. This is also why she offers all four methods of dental sedation. For questions or to learn more, visit Desert Springs Dental’s website or call 480-279-3100.