Have you ever avoided getting the dental care you need because of fear or anxiety? If yes, you’re not alone. As many as 20% of all Americans have admitted to avoiding the dentist because of their fear. Because this problem is so common, dentists have developed a couple of major ways of alleviating your anxiety – sedation dentistry. Let’s examine the two types and figure out which one is right for you: oral sedation vs nitrous oxide sedation.
What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide is a gas made of a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, as the name implies. Your dentist will place a mask over your nose through which you will breathe this colorless, odorless gas. Within minutes, a wave of euphoria will wash over you, suppressing your dental worries and allowing you to get the care you need. Nitrous oxide is best for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety.
What Is Oral Sedation?
Also known as oral conscious sedation, oral sedation involves the use of a pill. You’ll take this pill about an hour before your appointment is set to begin. After an hour, you’ll feel incredibly relaxed, so much so that you may even fall asleep during your procedure! You’ll be conscious enough to respond to your dentist’s requests, but odds are you’ll remember very little of the procedure itself. Oral sedation is recommended for patients with moderate to severe dental phobia.
Pros and Cons of Nitrous Oxide
If you have a busy day, nitrous oxide is great for you. Because its effects wear off quickly, you’ll be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment and back to work afterward. On the other hand, it doesn’t relieve serious dental anxiety, and you may remember some details of your procedure.
Pros and Cons of Oral Sedation
For patients with extreme dental phobia, your dentist can’t suggest oral sedation enough. This pill can allow you to get the care you need with no worries at all. However, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to the office, since the effects of the pill will likely last for the rest of the day.
Which One Is Right for You?
The answer depends on your level of dental anxiety and your general health. Ultimately, the best thing to do is ask your dentist which kind of sedation is best for your unique situation. They can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the different types with you in detail at a consultation. Talk to your dentist today to schedule an appointment so you can get any needed dental work taken care of with no worries!
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen has earned a Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment that few dentists have achieved. This means he has taken more than 1,100 hours of continuing education courses as well as passed a rigorous exam. He is also certified to administer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, so he can help soothe your dental fears in whatever way is more beneficial for you. To get the dental care you need, visit Dr. Carmen’s website.