Escaping Anxiety: What It Feels Like to Receive Dental Sedation

What is sedation dentistry? How does it work? What does it feel like? Dentists answer these kinds of questions every day when recommending a patient for nitrous oxide or IV sedation. When anxiety or fear gets the best of an individual, especially when faced with an upcoming procedure, these calming methods can be highly effective in reducing nerves and making any visit more enjoyable for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about dental sedation and why it might be right for you.

What is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is a type of treatment used to help nervous patients remain calm and at ease during an appointment. There are various types available, so it’s dependent on your dentist as to which methods they choose to provide in-office.

Two of the most common are nitrous oxide and IV sedation.

How Does It Work?

Nitrous oxide uses a nasal mask that is connected to a tube, allowing a free-flowing mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to be inhaled. No injection or pill must be taken; only breathing in and out.

IV sedation is much more powerful than nitrous oxide, as it enters directly into the bloodstream. The medication is delivered through an IV placed in a patient’s hand or arm. It is commonly only recommended when more complex procedures are required or extreme dental anxiety is evident.

What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated?

Each method of sedation is different, not only in how it is administered but also in how it affects patients.

Nitrous oxide is mild, so an individual should not expect to be fully sedated or “knocked out” during treatment. Instead, they may feel light, comfortable, and fully relaxed. They will likely remain unbothered by the work being performed in their mouth.

With IV sedation, the effects are much stronger yet, they are not as powerful as general anesthesia, which puts patients to sleep. Instead, once the medication reaches the bloodstream, it will cause an individual to become completely at ease. They may doze off during treatment; however, the dentist can wake them up with a gentle nudge if necessary.

Both nitrous oxide and IV sedation are adjustable and closely monitored, so patients never need to worry about receiving too little or too much.

Post-Procedural Effects: Are There Any?

After receiving any sedation, it’s important to remember that patience is key. While the effects of nitrous oxide will dissipate within minutes of breathing fresh, pure oxygen, it will likely take several hours or the remainder of the day to feel somewhat normal after receiving IV sedation.

One aspect most patients experience is temporary amnesia. This means they are unlikely to remember much, if anything, from their appointment.

Whether you are a good candidate for sedation can only be determined by meeting with your dentist for a consultation. After reviewing your health history and medications, they can decide if you are a good candidate and which type of sedation is right for you.

About the Author
Dr. Stephen Branberg has been practicing at The DFW Dental Implant Center since 2011. As a Colleyville dentist and prosthodontist, he is pleased to provide beautiful smile transformations using an array of solutions, including dental implants. No matter what type of treatment he is administering, though, he recognizes the challenges many patients experience when visiting our office. This is why he offers nitrous oxide and IV sedation. If you are nervous about your appointment and need help to remain calm, contact us at (817) 498-3331.