Sedation allows you to feel cool and collected before oral surgery. You may be wondering what option is right for you? While ultimately your dentist decides the best sedation choice, it’s good to familiarize yourself with different options.

Medication

There are a few commonly prescribed medications for oral sedation. These include: Valium, Halcion, Ativan, and Versed. These belong to a type of medication called benzodiazepines; prescribed to treat sleeplessness, tension, anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. These medications sometimes have an amnesic effect – meaning you will not remember the procedure at all. However, as long as these drugs are taken in small doses, they are very effective. Each of these medications has a different duration of how long it will affect, so it’s a good idea to discuss them with your dentist. Final note: because the medication does not wear off quickly, it’s important you have someone escort you to and from the office.

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation

This is probably the most famous form of sedation, which many know as “laughing gas.” This has a euphoric and pain-killing effect, which in turn reduces anxiety and increases comfort. You’re not asleep for the procedure and it doesn’t require an injection. Instead, it’s dispensed through a nasal hood (the cup-like apparatus placed over your nose). Your bodily functions remain normal and nitrous oxide is relatively harmless since it’s combined with oxygen, which is what provides the feeling of light-headedness. It quickly takes effect, which means it quickly wears off. That’s a plus if you don’t want to sleep through the procedure and want to drive yourself home after.

Intravenous Sedation

There are two different kinds of intravenous sedation: moderate and deep. Deep sedation means you are likely to sleep through the whole procedure. Moderate sedation means you’re likely to sleep through most of it. IV sedations happen when the dentist injects a sedative into your blood stream by means of an IV drip. Oral surgeons and periodontists must undertake specialized training and certification in IV use to have this method available. There is a greater risk linked to IV sedation since bodily functions (blood pressure, breathing, heart rate) can be altered, requiring specific monitoring equipment. For most procedures the patient has to fast eight hours prior to the surgery and must be escorted to and from the office.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Talk to your dentist about any questions or concerns you may have so you can discuss the right treatment options for you. There are many safe choices available to ensure you have a trouble-free and positive experience.