Does your heart start pounding at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you drive by a dental practice?

Many Lewisville residents who have improved their smile with cosmetic dentistry or underwent extensive restoration procedures chose to use sedation. Though the terms “sleep dentistry” and “oral conscious sedation” are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s examine the three main types of sedation used in dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it is typically called. Nitrous oxide has been used in Lewisville cosmetic dental offices for generations because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the procedure, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental treatment, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be the best option.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as rapidly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually bring about complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in “conscious” sedation.

IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in true “sleep dentistry.” Most patients are completely oblivious to what is going on in their mouth. IV sedation is often used for procedures such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile redesigns. (The sedation will wear off shortly after the procedure, so you won’t need a handsome prince’s kiss to wake you up.)

For more specifics about sedation dentistry, adult braces, tooth implants, or porcelain veneers, call The Lewisville Dentist at 469-708-4713.

Contact The Lewisville Dentist:

469-708-4713

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

297 W FM 3040, Ste 127
Lewisville, Texas
75067