Sedation Dentistry Brookeland, TX

Types of Sedation

There are three modes of sedation offered, depending on your anxiety level.

Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, is a good option for those that have a low to moderate level of anxiety. This method of light sedation is inhaled through a nose-piece and can be easily adjusted to match the patient’s desired level of relaxation. After the procedure is finished, the nitrous oxide is turned off and within minutes of breathing oxygen, the effects of the nitrous oxide are completely reversed. For adult patients, a driver is not needed.

Oral sedation uses prescription tablets to sedate the patient. This is a good option for patients that are slightly more anxious about their dental appointment. The tablet is usually taken in office and takes about 30 minutes to begin to work. An escort is needed after the appointment as the sedation will last for some hours after the appointment is over. The oral sedation medicine usually causes the patient to not remember much of their appointment. After leaving the office, the escort should be able to stay with the patient in their home for a few hours. Also, absolutely no driving, business decisions, signing of legal documents, or use of Facebook should be conducted after until the sedative effects have ended.

IV moderate conscious sedation is indicated for the most anxious patient or for those undergoing longer, more extension procedures. An advantage to IV sedation, unlike oral sedation, is that the level of sedation can easily be adjusted. Onset of sedation, once the IV is started, only takes a few minutes. Again, as with the oral sedation, an escort to drive the patient home and stay with the patient for the rest of the day is required. Also, absolutely no driving, business decisions, signing of legal documents, or use of Facebook should be conducted after until the sedative effects have ended.