If you are scheduled to be sedated for an upcoming dental procedure, you may be wondering what to expect. After all, it can be difficult to know what it feels like if you’ve never undergone sedation before. Thankfully, there’s no need to worry. Here’s some helpful information about what you might experience!
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation. It will not put you to sleep, but you will feel relaxed and possibly a bit tingly in your legs and arms. You can also feel a bit giggly, hence the nickname “laughing gas.”
Nitrous oxide is also the only form of sedation that you can take without requiring a ride home from your procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation will leave you feeling relaxed and drowsy. You may also find it difficult to speak, or like your limbs are heavy. Some patients experience memory loss or fuzzy memory from the procedure itself.
IV Sedation
IV sedation promotes a very deep sense of relaxation, though you are still conscious. IV sedation is similar to oral sedation; however, the feelings of relaxation are more amplified and intense.
How Quickly Do Sedatives Work?
For nitrous oxide, you can expect to feel the effects within about three to five minutes. For oral sedatives, it will take between 30 and 60 minutes, and IV sedation works very quickly, often within just a few minutes.
What’s the Difference Between Sedation and Pain Prevention?
Conscious sedation does not numb pain, so if you are undergoing an uncomfortable procedure, your dentist will still treat you with a local anesthetic. The sedation itself does not hurt, however if you choose IV sedation you will feel some discomfort when the IV needle is placed, so speak to your dentist in advance if you are sensitive to pain.
Remember, sedation is designed to help you feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during your dental procedure. Speak to your dentist about your comfort goals, so that he or she will select the right options for your treatment.
About Our Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, seeing your smile is our main goal. We want you to have a healthy, happy mouth and our team of skilled dentists and dental professionals truly care about your comfort. Whether we’re performing a general exam, a cosmetic procedure, or a restoration that requires sedation, we want you to feel safe and comfortable with us.
To schedule an appointment for sedation dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 516-346-5655.