What types of sedation are available for cosmetic dental procedures?

There are different types of modalities and products used for conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), intravenous sedation, and oral sedatives. This method may be recommended to patients who want faster-acting sedation. The sedative is administered intravenously, creates a deeper sense of relaxation and is recommended for removing wisdom teeth or for placing implants. Intravenous sedation is often chosen because of its ability to create a greater amnesic effect; patients are unaware that the procedure is being performed.

It's one of the most accurate and effective forms of sedation, so it's also one of the most popular forms of sedation found in dental offices. Intravenous sedation also works quickly, so you'll soon start to feel calmer and more relaxed so you can continue with the procedure without delay. One consideration that should be considered by those considering intravenous sedation is the use of needles to administer the sedative. However, topical anesthetics are commonly used to numb the injection site and minimize discomfort caused by a needle prick.

Even with a topical anesthetic that numbs the prick of the needle, some people still have difficulty overcoming the needle and enjoying the benefits of intravenous sedation. Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, offers an alternative that doesn't require needles. In the case of nitrous oxide gas, a sedative is administered using a gas mask. A disadvantage of this route is that the dosage may not be as accurate as a dose administered intravenously.

Perhaps the easiest route of sedation is oral sedation. This route simply involves taking a sedative by mouth. You'll have the same sense of well-being and the ability to remain comfortably still as you would with other forms of sedation. Accept that no needles or masks are used.

However, it's important to note that the onset times of oral sedatives are much slower than those of intravenous sedation and nitrous oxide gas. Fortunately, many dentists who specialize in sedation also offer cosmetic procedures, such as professional teeth whitening, veneer placement, teeth straightening treatment, and dental implant placement. A dentist who specializes in sedation offers patients several forms of sedation to make their experience at the dentist's office much more comfortable and pleasant.