What types of sedation are available?
There are three basic types of sedation: oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and intravenous sedation. Oral sedation involves the use of a sedative in pill form. Types of oral sedatives include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan, all of these medications help put patients into a relaxed, but awake state. Nitrous oxide sedation involves the use of nitrous oxide gas, or “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide sedation produces a feeling of euphoria during treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for patients with a fear of needles. Intravenous sedation involves the administration of drugs directly into the bloodstream. This is the deepest level of sedation, and is used during long procedures. Patients who have difficulty staying still or have severe dental phobias may also be candidates for I.V. sedation.
