Dental Anxiety Relief

Conscious Oral Sedation

With conscious oral sedation, you’ll be prescribed a single sedative pill that you’ll pick up from your local pharmacy. Before your endodontic procedure, you’ll take this medication as instructed and it will help you feel relaxed throughout your appointment. Some patients doze off under this type of sedation, but most stay awake. Unlike inhaled sedation, oral sedation does not wear off quickly, so it’s important to have someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

The side effects of conscious oral sedation are similar to those of nitrous oxide. They may include feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, and nausea. These side effects last longer than those of nitrous oxide, so you may need to arrange to take the rest of the day off from work or school after your endodontic procedure if you choose this form of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide is a non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe through a nasal cannula, commonly known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. Nitrous Oxide does not affect reflexes and is meant only for very very mild sedation. Nitrous Oxide has differing affects on people, depending on level of anxiety. This gas can be combined with prescription anti-anxiety medications for a more predictable effect.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation. However once the maximum level is achieved, a higher level of sedation is not possible. 
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.  
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation can be effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.
• Nitrous Oxide is easily reversed and the affects can be reduced in as little as 30 seconds.