For some people, a trip to the dentist brings more than routine care. It brings anxiety, discomfort, or even fear. At Keene Smiles, our goal is to make every appointment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer three safe and effective forms of dental sedation: inhaled sedation (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. Whether you struggle with dental anxiety, have trouble sitting still, or are preparing for a complex procedure, sedation can transform your dental experience.
Below, we break down how each type of sedation works, when it’s appropriate, and what you can expect.
How Sedation Dentistry Can Improve Your Visit
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for easing nerves, though it certainly helps. It can also:
- Reduce anxiety so you feel calmer before and during treatment
- Make lengthy or complex procedures feel faster
- Help with a sensitive gag reflex or difficulty staying still
- Improve pain control and comfort
- Create a more positive association with dental care, especially for patients who have had difficult experiences in the past
Whether your needs are mild or more advanced, there’s a sedation option designed to help.
1. Inhaled Sedation (Laughing Gas)
How it works:
Laughing gas is a mild sedative breathed in through a small nosepiece. Within minutes, you feel relaxed, light, and at ease while remaining fully awake and able to respond.
When it’s appropriate:
- Mild dental anxiety
- Short or routine procedures
- Patients who want the quickest recovery time
- Children or adults who want a gentle calming effect
What’s involved:
You breathe normally through your nose, and the sedation begins almost instantly. Once treatment is complete, you breathe oxygen for a few minutes to clear the medication from your system. Most patients feel normal again almost immediately and can drive themselves home.
2. Oral Sedation (Sedation Pill)
How it works:
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill, usually about an hour before your appointment. It produces a deeper relaxation than laughing gas. You’ll feel drowsy, calm, and detached from the activity around you.
When it’s appropriate:
- Moderate dental anxiety
- Longer or more involved procedures
- Patients who want stronger relaxation but don’t need IV sedation
- Those who prefer an easy, needle-free opti
What’s involved:
You’ll take the prescribed medication prior to your visit or upon arrival, depending on instructions. You remain conscious, but many patients remember very little of the appointment. Because the effects linger, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home.
3. IV Sedation
How it works:
Administered intravenously, IV sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream for the deepest level of relaxation offered at Keene Smiles (short of general anesthesia, which is not used in-office). You remain conscious but deeply sedated, often with little or no memory of the procedure.
When it’s appropriate:
- Severe dental anxiety or dental phobia
- Multiple treatments in a single visit
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Procedures that are lengthy or complex
What’s involved:
A trained professional administers the sedation and monitors you throughout your visit. The level of sedation can be adjusted moment-to-moment for maximum comfort and safety. Afterward, you’ll feel groggy and will need an escort to drive you home and stay with you temporarily.
The Bottom Line: Comfort, Confidence, and Better Care
Sedation dentistry can make dental visits easier, more efficient, and far more comfortable, especially if anxiety or discomfort has kept you from getting the care you need. At Keene Smiles, we tailor your sedation plan to your personal comfort level, medical needs, and the type of treatment you’re receiving.
If you’ve been postponing dental care or want a gentler, more relaxing experience, we’re here to help. Ask us about sedation options at your next visit. Call us today at 720-599-4479 to make an appointment in Lafayette, CO.
