How Would You Feel During Sedation?

Do you find that you avoid the dentist due to some form of stress or anxiety associated with such a visit? If so, you should be happy to know that dentists in the Bardstown, Kentucky area, like Dr. Michael Walton at Walton Family Dentistry, offer dental sedation options to make your visit comfortable and stress-free. You may now be wondering how you would feel during sedation. Read on to find out!

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, offers patients a mild form of sedation that induces feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Administered through a small mask placed over the nose, the gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled by the patient during dental procedures. Within minutes, patients begin to experience a light-headed sensation, accompanied by tingling in the limbs and a warm, comfortable feeling throughout the body.

The effects of laughing gas are quick to onset and easily adjustable by the dentist, allowing for precise control over the level of sedation. 

Patients remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure, and they are able to communicate with the dental team if needed. One of the most appealing aspects of laughing gas is its rapid reversibility; once the gas supply is discontinued, patients quickly return to a state of alertness with no lingering effects, making it an ideal option for those with busy schedules.

The sensation of laughing gas is often described as a floating or dream-like experience, where worries and anxieties melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment. Overall, laughing gas provides patients with a gentle and relaxing dental experience, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and anxiety levels.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves the use of prescription medications, typically benzodiazepines, to induce a state of deep relaxation and reduced awareness during dental procedures. Patients are instructed to take the prescribed medication orally, usually in the form of a pill, about an hour before their appointment.

As the medication takes effect, patients begin to feel drowsy and detached from their surroundings, with many describing a sensation of “floating” or being in a dream-like state. Unlike laughing gas, oral conscious sedation can cause varying levels of amnesia, leading to little to no recollection of the procedure afterward.

While patients remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues, their cognitive functions are significantly impaired, and they may experience slurred speech or delayed reactions. It’s essential for patients undergoing oral conscious sedation to have a trusted companion accompany them to and from the appointment, as it WILL be too unsafe to drive by themselves.

The effects of oral conscious sedation can vary depending on the individual’s response to the medication, with some experiencing profound relaxation and others feeling more sedated. Despite these differences, the overarching goal of oral conscious sedation is to alleviate anxiety and discomfort, allowing patients to undergo dental treatment in a calm and stress-free environment.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Walton in Bardstown, KY, please call (502) 610-0151.