Dental anxiety is more common than you might think — millions of patients feel nervous about their appointments. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers safe, effective sedation options to help you relax. Two of the most common are laughing gas and oral conscious sedation. While both aim to make dental visits more comfortable, they work differently and are best suited for different needs.
What is Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. You’ll breathe in a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which quickly induces feelings of calmness and light euphoria. Despite its nickname, laughing gas doesn’t always make you laugh, but it often makes dental treatment feel far less stressful.
- How it feels: You’ll feel relaxed, maybe a little tingly or lightheaded, but you’ll remain awake and aware of your surroundings.
- Onset and duration: It works within minutes and wears off almost immediately after the mask is removed. You can usually drive yourself home afterward.
- Best for: Mild dental anxiety, children, and short or routine procedures.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill (often from the benzodiazepine family) about an hour before your procedure. The medication significantly reduces anxiety and can make you feel drowsy, but you’ll still be able to respond to your dentist’s instructions.
- How it feels: You’ll feel deeply relaxed, with time often seeming to pass quickly. Many patients remember little to nothing about the appointment.
- Onset and duration: It takes longer to kick in compared to laughing gas, and the sedative effects can last for several hours. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
- Best for: Moderate to severe dental anxiety, lengthy procedures, and patients who have trouble getting numb with local anesthesia alone.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your level of anxiety, the complexity of your dental work, and your personal preferences. If you simply want to take the edge off for a cleaning or filling, laughing gas might be all you need. But if you’re facing a longer procedure or have significant fear, oral conscious sedation may provide the deeper relaxation you’re looking for.
Both laughing gas and oral conscious sedation are safe and effective ways to make dental visits more comfortable. Your dentist can help you decide which option best fits your needs, so you can get the care you deserve without unnecessary stress.
About the Practice
Are you acutely anxious to see the dentist? Here at Premier Dental in Vero Beach, we understand that many people suffer from anxiety when it comes to a dental visit. That’s why we offer a number of sedation methods to soothe you and provide a calm, comfortable experience, no matter what procedure you’re undergoing. Our entire team is dedicated to patient comfort, and you’ll feeling like you just received the most compassionate care available! Head on over to our website to schedule your appointment with us or call us at (772) 234-5353.