Anxiety about visiting the dentist and fear related to dental procedures are common problems for many people. It is not uncommon for people to avoid or completely neglect going to the dentist for these reasons. Dentistry offers options for patients with these issues, enabling them to get the dental care they need without the stress and anxiety associated with it. Two popular options are nitrous oxide and moderate sedation. Let’s see what the differences between these methods are.
Nitrous oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide has been widely used in dentistry. The odorless gas is inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. It may be used alone or to supplement local anesthetic, especially for those who fear needles. Nitrous oxide is also helpful in reducing the gag reflex and enhancing patient cooperation. It is safe, has few side effects, and is reversible by the dentist during use. This type of sedation is great during minor dental procedures or for patients with dental anxiety.
Moderate sedation
For patients who desire to be only semi-conscious during dental work, moderate sedation is another option. Sometimes called “conscious sedation” or “twilight sleep”, the drug is administered intravenously (IV), which means through an injection usually in the arm. The drug takes effect immediately, causing the patient to feel relaxed and drowsy. Some patients fall asleep, but may be easily awakened when addressed. Unlike general anesthesia, the patient can still respond while under moderate sedation even though everything that occurred during treatment may not be remembered. There are usually no side effects, although the patient should have adult supervision for the first six hours following moderate sedation and should not drive.
