Thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, patients have the option to receive dental sedation in order to feel more calm and relaxed during their treatment. Sedation dentistry has been used to help people with dental phobia and anxiety get the treatments they need to protect their oral health. So what does it feel like to be under dental sedation? Well, it mostly depends on the kind you get!

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation and one of the most commonly used. This type of sedation is safe for both children and adults. If you’re getting nitrous oxide during your appointment, your dentist will place a mask over your nose and all you have to do is breathe normally to inhale the odorless gas. As you start to feel its effects, you’ll become increasingly relaxed. You might also feel a little giddy. By the way, that’s why nitrous oxide also goes by the name of "laughing gas"! You’ll still be able to communicate and will remain conscious. The effects wear off as soon as the mask is removed.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Deemed a moderate level of dental sedation, oral conscious sedation is a step up from nitrous oxide. As the name suggests, this one is administered through a pill that you take just before your appointment. While under its effects, you’ll feel deeply relaxed to the point that you may fall into a light sleep. If you remain awake, you might slur your words a little bit. After your treatment is over, you may not remember much of what happened. If you choose this type of sedation you must arrange for transportation to and from your appointment.

Comfortable Dentistry in Jamaica Plain & Malden

Sedation dentistry is useful for both adults and children who either have some anxiety or an extensive dental procedure that needs to be performed. The professionals at Atlantic Dental Partners will monitor you throughout your sedation to ensure your safety. Do you have more questions about dental sedation? We’re happy to give you additional information. We’re also available for all your other dental health-related questions. We provide sedation dentistry as part of our comprehensive services.  Call (617) 524-1110 for Jamaica Plain or (781) 321-0018 for Malden. Or you can click here to schedule an appointment!