Dental anxiety looks different for everyone. This is why Dr. Saba Heday and Dynamite Smiles Dentistry offer multiple options for ensuring our patients’ comfort during treatment. Among these are nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative, inhaled through a mask, that takes effect quickly and wears off almost immediately after treatment ends. Oral sedation, meanwhile, is a stronger prescribed medication taken before an appointment to produce a deep, longer-lasting state of relaxation during a procedure. Learning the difference between these common options is crucial to understanding which best fits your needs.
How Nitrous Oxide Works
Nitrous oxide, which is commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is a light sedative that’s inhaled through a nasal mask. Nitrous takes effect within minutes, producing a light, pleasant sense of calm without putting the patient to sleep. Among the biggest advantages of laughing gas is how quickly it wears off. Most patients feel completely normal within minutes of the mask coming off, and are able to drive themselves home and immediately resume daily activities.
How Oral Sedation Works
Oral sedation, by contrast, involves taking a prescribed medication before your procedure, which produces a much deeper level of relaxation. Patients often describe feeling so at ease with oral sedation that, despite remaining conscious throughout, they have little, if any, memory of their procedures afterward. Because the effects are stronger and can take several hours to fully wear off, patients are required to have a friend or family member drive them to and from their appointment.
Nitrous vs. Oral Sedation: Which Is Right for You?
Nitrous oxide tends to work well for patients with mild dental anxiety and/or those undergoing shorter, more routine procedures. Oral sedation is generally better suited for patients with more significant anxiety or those facing longer, more involved treatment. The best way to know which sedation option fits your needs is a conversation with Dr. Saba Heday about your anxiety level and planned procedure.
Safe, Comfortable Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ
If dental anxiety in Scottsdale has kept you from getting the care you need, contact Dr. Saba Heday and the compassionate Dynamite Smile Dentistry team today to learn more about your sedation options.