Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” does not typically cause you to fall asleep; however, it can be effective at putting you in a more relaxed state for treatment. Breathed in through the nose, nitrous oxide usually takes only about 20 seconds to take effect, and the effects usually wear off once the procedure is complete. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be candidates for nitrous oxide, but there may be alternative sedation dentistry techniques that can help in these cases.
With sedation dentistry, you can have the dental treatment you need without the anxiety. At Scottsdale Smile Center, we aim to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible.
IV Sedation
For more complex dental treatments, and for patients who have extreme dental anxiety, IV sedation can be administered. This sedation dentistry technique will put you in a state of total unconsciousness during the procedure, and you will not be aware the treatment is taking place. Your progress throughout the treatment will be continuously monitored to make sure everything is running smoothly. The effects of IV anesthesia take some time to wear off, so it will be necessary to make arrangements for someone to bring you home after the procedure.