Different Levels of Dental Sedation
Visiting the dentist is rarely considered something to look forward to, especially when you have to undergo restorative treatment. However, for some patients, anxiety and fear about visiting the dentist can be severe enough to prevent them from scheduling or attending their appointments at all. Dental sedation is one of the ways in which we can help patients alleviate their anxiety and fear so that they can receive the care that their smiles need. By utilizing nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation (medication), or both, we can help customize your sedation for optimal comfort.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as laughing gas, though the feeling it produces is more euphoric than humorous. Nitrous oxide is a gas that you inhale through the nose and exhale immediately through the mouth. The calm and relaxed feeling it generates is almost immediate, and the feeling wears off just as quickly once the mask is removed. As the mildest form of dental sedation, laughing gas is also safe for children and patients of all ages.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a medication that you take in pill or liquid form before your procedure begins. Unlike laughing gas, the medication does not take effect immediately, though when it does, it produces a stronger feeling of calm and euphoria. It also takes longer to wear off after your treatment is complete, which means you should bring a responsible adult with you to your appointment to drive you home afterward.
Enjoy a More Comfortable Dental Visit
With the right level of dental sedation, we can help you overcome dental anxiety or fear, or simply help you enjoy a more comfortable visit to our office. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cain and our team, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN or Portage, IN today at 219-938-2637, or email our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We proudly serve all of Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas.