Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a popular and safe form of sedation that works quickly to keep you calm and comfortable during procedures. Administered through a small nose mask, it induces a warm, pleasant sensation and a profound sense of well-being while keeping you fully conscious and able to communicate, though everything may seem distant and dreamy.
Once the procedure is complete, breathing in pure oxygen replaces the nitrous oxide, rapidly dissipating its effects. In just a few minutes, you’ll feel alert, refreshed, and capable of safely driving yourself home.
Your endodontist can prescribe an anti-anxiety sedative for you to take conveniently about an hour before your scheduled procedure. This medication helps you feel calm and relaxed, reducing any pre-appointment anxiety. When you arrive at our office, you’ll already feel at ease and ready for your treatment. During the procedure, you will remain comfortable and stress-free. However, because the sedative’s drowsy effects can linger from a few to several hours, you will need a driver to get you safely home. It’s important to plan ahead and ensure you have a responsible adult to assist you.
Also called sleep sedation, we offer IV Sedation for those who suffer from severe dental anxiety. Our team partners with a licensed dental anesthesiologist who delivers a safe amount of sedatives intravenously and monitors your level of sedation to ensure your health and comfort.
If you choose to be sleep-sedated for your root canal treatment or other endodontic procedures, we can coordinate with your general dentist so you can receive any other needed dental procedures at the same time while you are safely sedated. The bonus is that you will sleep through the entire procedure and wake up with a healthier mouth!