Many patients experience anxiety and fear related to dental care, making it hard to focus on the benefits of the treatment itself, which is where our El Paso sedation dentists step in. While 915 Smile Studio offers different types of dental sedation, many need help understanding the major differences between nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. In this post, Dr. Tracy Le and Dr. Quoc Dang demystify the nitrous oxide versus oral conscious sedation debate so that you can make an informed decision about whether nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or a combination of both types of dental sedation will work best for your needs.
Method of Administration
Whether you’re a seasoned patient or a first-timer, our El Paso sedation dentists can put your mind at ease. With two different methods of sedation available, we can tailor your treatment to suit your needs.
- Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a comfortable mask placed over your nose.
- Oral conscious sedation is administered by taking a pill before treatment. The medication will slowly begin to work its way through your bloodstream, calming your nerves and ensuring a stress-free experience.
Intensity of Sedation
If you’re considering nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation during your next dental appointment, it’s essential to consider how the results can affect your body.
- Nitrous oxide is an excellent option for those who want to feel relaxed and comfortable during their procedure without feeling sleepy or groggy afterward. In fact, most patients can go back to school or work after experiencing laughing gas.
- Oral conscious sedation is a deeper form of sedation. Our El Paso sedation dentists might recommend this type of sedation to patients who have more severe anxiety or who are undergoing invasive dental procedures. With oral conscious sedation, you might feel groggy and tired. Plus, you may forget most or all of what happened during your appointment.
Side Effects
While it’s essential to understand how sedation works and how it can affect you, it’s also important to consider how you’ll feel after treatments and how long the side effects will linger.
- Nitrous oxide might be the right option for you if you’re looking for something that wears off quickly. After about 5 minutes, the effects of the gas will fade, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home and get back to your routine. However, you may experience some mild side effects like a headache, nausea, or confusion, but don’t worry; these will dissipate quickly.
- Oral sedation, on the other hand, lasts longer (about 4-6 hours). You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from our office, and you’ll want to plan on taking it easy after your appointment. While oral sedation can be a bit more intense in terms of side effects, like headaches or disorientation, our El Paso sedation dentists still believe it’s an excellent option for those who need it.
Our El Paso Sedation Dentists Can Help You Decide
Ultimately, the choice between nitrous oxide and oral sedation comes down to the individual patient and their unique needs. Whatever option you choose, our dedicated El Paso sedation dentists will work with you to ensure your next dental appointment is comfortable. Reach out to 915 Smile Studio today if you would like to know more information about what type of sedation dentistry could work best for you!
