Who will benefit from conscious sedation?

• Patients who have high anxiety about dental visits
• Anyone who has had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Patients receiving complex treatments or surgery
• Anyone who experiences difficulty getting numb
• Anyone with a strong gag reflex
• Patients who have jaw joint troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
• Anyone who is afraid of needles in the mouth
• Patients with sensitive teeth
• If you dislike the noises and/or smells associated with dental care.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.