Sedation dentistry offers a modern solution for patients who suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety or phobia. It can make it easier to endure lengthy procedures and allows dentists to work faster and more efficiently.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, allows the patient to inhale a safe gas via a nasal mask during treatment. It works quickly and the effects wear off almost immediately so patients can drive themselves home.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For those who suffer from severe dental anxiety or fear of going to the dentist, oral conscious sedation is a great option. This type of sedation dentistry Raleigh NC involves taking medication by mouth before the appointment and remaining awake, yet deeply relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. You may feel drowsy or even fall asleep at times, but the sedatives will wear off quickly and you’ll be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist. 
Medications used for oral conscious sedation include benzodiazepines such as Valium and midazolam. These medications are known for their effectiveness and low side effects, and they can be administered in a variety of ways. Patients are monitored for safety and comfort during their appointments, and a trained professional will be on hand to help you regain control if necessary.
Most healthy people can benefit from this form of sedation, but your dentist will need to closely review your health and dental history before suggesting it for you. You will also need a driver to get you home after the appointment, since the sedation can impair your ability to drive safely.
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild sedative that helps patients remain calm and relaxed during medical and dental procedures. It reduces anxiety and allows patients to communicate with medical professionals, unlike other sedatives that put patients to sleep.
During a session, a patient inhales the gas through a mask placed over the mouth and nose. The sedative reaches the brain quickly and begins to work within a few minutes. Unlike other sedatives that may take more than half an hour to wear off, the effects of nitrous oxide disappear from the body in less than five minutes after the gas is turned off.
This form of sedation is safe for most patients but may cause nausea in some individuals. It is not recommended for people with mental health disorders or a history of substance abuse as it could exacerbate latent symptoms. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or those with respiratory diseases like emphysema.
Valium or Ativan
Valium, or diazepam, and Ativan, or lorazepam, are both benzodiazepines. Also known as benzos, they are prescribed by doctors to treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which reduces nerve signals to calm the central nervous system.
Both medications have a rapid onset of action and can be administered orally. Ativan has a shorter duration of effect and may be used to manage a short-term episode of anxiety while Valium might be prescribed for longer periods of time or during alcohol withdrawal.
Both medications are a Schedule IV controlled substance and can cause dependence, abuse, and addiction when taken outside of their prescribed use. It is important to avoid alcohol and other drugs that may potentiate or enhance the sedative effects of benzos such as opiates, antidepressants, phenothiazines, barbiturates, and MAO inhibitors. At First Step Behavioral Health, we are a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term treatment facility that focuses on physiological rebalancing.
Whether you need a simple cleaning or a complex dental restoration, our Raleigh sedation dentist can help you. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to make your visits more tolerable, especially for those who are fearful or anxious about the dentist’s chair.
Oral conscious sedation dentistry Raleigh NC involves a prescribed pill that you take at a designated time before your appointment, which produces the desired effects of relaxation and amnesia. This form of sedation is easy for the doctor to monitor, causes no grogginess or side effects, and allows you to drive home following your visit.
Benzodiazepines decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within the “fear” receptors of the brain, which induces calm and a deep drowsiness that can even cause you to fall asleep. This type of sedation is most suitable for those with severe anxiety or who have years of work that needs to be completed in one visit. Medications like Valium, Halcion, and Xanax can also be used to reduce anxiety.
