Many patients have experienced the benefits of anxiety-free dentistry (sometimes called sleep dentistry). There are three main kinds of sedation options available in the Phoenix area:
Inhalation
Nitrous Oxide, sometimes called ‘laughing gas‘ has been used in cosmetic dental offices for over a century, because, in many ways, it is a great sedative. It begins to work quickly, but then wears off as soon as the patient stops inhaling it. Breathing nitrous oxide assists with creating warm tingling sensations and a feeling of euphoria.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives take longer to work than nitrous, but produce a calmer state for many anxious dental patients. Triazolam and diazepam are common oral sedatives used in dentistry. These sedative medications are routinely prescribed by physicians for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
Oral sedation is a good sedation choice for anxious patients who require a lengthy dental procedure. After the dental visit, however, it takes a while for the medication to wear off. It’s critical that a conscious sedation patient not drive home after undergoing oral sedation.
IV Sedation
Like nitrous, intra-venous sedation starts working immediately as the sedative enters the bloodstream. IV sedation usually produces the deepest state of relaxation. IV patients can dream away the total procedure and wake up calm.