This form of mild sedation involves breathing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This form of sedation is particularly suitable for treating patients who are motivated to have treatment but are anxious about the procedure. For this reason, it is ideal for treating children.
This form of mild-moderate sedation involves taking a pill (typically Halcion) usually an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. However, some people actually fall asleep but can be awakened with a gentle shake.
This form of sedation is particularly suitable for treating patients who are anxious prior coming to the dentist but are otherwise not so worried about having treatment.
This form of moderate sedation involves receiving a combination of sedative (typically Midazolam) and pain-relieving drugs through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation and is regarded as the most advanced form of dental sedation.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, local anaesthetic is always required.
Approximately 30% of the population avoids the dentist due to fear. All-too-commonly this prevents these people from receiving necessary routine dental care, potentially compromising their health.
