It’s natural to feel stressed about undergoing dental procedures, but sedation dentistry can help alleviate that anxiety. We’ll cover the different types of sedation used in dentistry, each tailored to various levels of patient comfort and procedural needs.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, casually referred to as laughing gas, can help calm your nerves and make your experience more pleasant.

Nitrous oxide is a gentle type of sedation given through a mask on your nose. It helps you feel relaxed and happy, easing any anxiety you may have during dental procedures.

The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed, allowing you to drive home safely after your appointment.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, oral conscious sedation may be the answer. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication, typically a pill, before your dental appointment to induce relaxation. Because oral sedation can make you feel drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation, administered through an IV line, provides a deeper level of relaxation for more complex dental procedures. It ensures your comfort throughout the treatment.

IV sedation is delivered straight into your bloodstream through an IV line. With this sedation, the dentist can adjust the medicine to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

This method is frequently utilized for more intricate dental procedures or for patients who experience significant dental anxiety.

General Anesthesia

Facing a daunting dental surgery? General anesthesia can help you sleep through the procedure, ensuring you remain completely unconscious and pain-free.

General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation, inducing a state of unconsciousness during dental procedures. It is typically reserved for complex surgeries or patients with special needs who cannot tolerate other forms of sedation.

Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Consultation in Rapid City, SD

If you experience dental anxiety or fear, sedation dentistry may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic in Rapid City, SD, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing every patient with a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

Call us at 605-737-3150 today or schedule a consultation online. Discover how sedation dentistry can help you achieve optimal oral health.