For some people, going to the dentist can be an unpleasant experience. If you are a person who has had negative experiences in the past, sensitive teeth or even anxiety about dental procedures, you may not look forward to visiting the dentist even if it is for a regular check up. No matter what the case may be, you can look into your options in sedation dentistry so each trip to the dentist can be much easier to handle.

With inhalation sedation, the dentist will use a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide for the patient to breathe in through a mask that sits over the nasal passages. Often called laughing gas or nitrous oxide sedation, this is a lighter form of sedation that is also known as anxiolysis.

Oral sedation is generally used to help give a light or even moderate level of sedation, all depending on the medication that is offered as well as the dosage. Common drugs given for oral sedation at the dentist can include Ativan, Xanax, Valium or Halcyon, all of which are classified as benzodiazepines. This form of sedation can either be given just before the procedure or as early as the night before to help induce a relaxed state.

IV sedation or general anesthesia are far more involved ways of sedation where a patient can be completely asleep or put into a state of deep relaxation. The latter, general anesthesia, is where a patient will be completely unconscious and will not feel anything or even remember the procedure once awakened.

Depending on the type of sedation dentistry you choose, you will be able to make your visit to the dentist as easy as possible based on your overall needs. In the end, you will have the procedure that you need to maintain a clean and healthy mouth without added anxiety or discomfort.

For more information about sedation dentistry call Island Dental Associates at (516) 565-6565.