Did you know that sources report that an estimated 73% of adults experience fear around dental appointments? Unfortunately, those with more severe anxiety might avoid scheduling everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures, and may not be getting the dental care they need.
Many dentists offer sedation options, such as oral conscious medication or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help you feel calmer and more comfortable throughout your appointment, but it’s natural to have questions about these services. You can learn more by reading these 3 frequently asked questions and answers!
Question #1: What Does Dental Sedation Feel Like?
It can vary based on your unique body chemistry, but most patients experience similar sensations during dental sedation. For example, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a gas mask placed over the nose while your dentist works, and the effects kick in almost immediately. You might feel relaxed, light, or euphoric, and some people even get a bad case of the giggles, which is likely how it earned its popular nickname, laughing gas.
Meanwhile, oral conscious medication, which often consists of a prescribed anti-anxiety pill, induces a deeper sense of calm and might make you feel weighed down or heavy. It’s not meant to put you to sleep, but it might make you so comfortable that you naturally doze off during your procedure.
Question #2: Will I Remember Anything After Dental Sedation?
Are you curious whether you’ll be able to recall the specifics of your visit after being medicated at the dentist’s office? You may not remember much because dental sedation slows your body’s central nervous system response, limiting your awareness of and ability to respond to external stimuli.
This can make it harder to retain information, which often results in short-term memory loss around your procedure. However, many anxious patients consider this amnesia to be just another advantage of undergoing dental sedation.
Question #3: What Type of Dental Sedation is Right for Me?
Many dentists offer choices for sedation so that if you’re not a good candidate for one type, you can hopefully still benefit from another. But that doesn’t mean that every option is right for everyone.
Your dentist will likely want to update your medical history, including a list of all prescription medications or supplements you take regularly, to avoid administering anything that might cause an adverse effect. Then, they’ll discuss your options and make a professional recommendation based on your unique circumstances.
If you still have unanswered questions about dental sedation, you can learn more by contacting your dentist’s office directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Roshan Shroff is an accomplished dentist who is passionate about helping patients build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and today, he participates in several prestigious organizations, such as the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. He offers a complete menu of services, including oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, using advanced technology for comfortable, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (720) 702-9581.