For those interested in sedation dentistry in Bingham Farms, there are a couple of popular options from which to choose. Either one can help patients have a less stressful, more pain-free dental experience, but it’s fair to wonder which one is the best option. There are a handful of criteria that can help you decide, and Jamestowne South Dental Cracchiolo is happy to help you make the best decision. The following is a look at the major differences between oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas.”)

The Differences between Sedation and Nitrous Oxide

1. Administration

The first thing to consider is the way each of these sedation options is administered to patients. When it comes to nitrous oxide, Jamestowne South Dental will place a plastic mask over the patient’s face that will pump a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide into the patient’s lungs. As the patient breathes, the sedative takes effect almost immediately, making it easier for Jamestowne South Dental to keep patients sedated through whatever procedure he’s working on.

Oral sedation comes in the form of a pill that patients can take before their appointment. It creates a similar effect, as it works as a powerful anti-anxiety medication and sedative. It’s easier to take for those who don’t want to deal with the mask of any other equipment.

2. Light vs. Deep Sedation

Another big difference is that nitrous oxide provides much lighter sedation than oral conscious sedation. While the oral medication can make a patient feel extra sleepy and slowed down, sometimes even resulting in the patient falling asleep during the procedure, nitrous oxide keeps the patient awake. The main effects of nitrous are to keep the patient calm, happy, and comfortable, while oral sedation does a better job at knocking the patient out so they don’t experience or remember much from the procedure.

3. Side Effects

The reason for the mask during a procedure in which nitrous oxide is used is to keep the sedation medication in use for as long as is required since it will wear off completely after about five minutes. Patients can drive themselves home, and while they can experience mild symptoms like headaches or nausea, they tend to wear off quickly.

Heavier sedation can take four to six hours to wear off and requires someone else to drive you home. Furthermore, you will need to take the rest of the day off, as you won’t be of much use at work or school afterward. Take the day off, sleep off the medication, and you’ll feel much more like yourself in a few hours.

Sedation Options at Jamestowne South Dental’s Office

If you have any questions about dental sedation in Bingham Farms, simply contact Jamestowne South Dental’s office, and we’ll walk you through how each choice works. We’ll help you find the right sedation option for you to ensure that your experience at the dentist is as stress-free and pain-free as we can make it. Especially for those who suffer from dental anxiety, sedation can be a life-saver!