In an effort to make their patients as comfortable as possible, many dentists choose to offer sedation. However, not all types of sedation provide the same experience! If your dentist offers both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you might be curious about how they compare to one another. This blog post provides some helpful information.
How Are They Administered?
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form. You simply swallow it before your treatment is scheduled to begin, and within a few minutes, you should start to feel its effects. Because its administration method is so easy, this is a great option for patients who dislike needles and masks.
Nitrous oxide is a gas that is administered through a nasal mask, which you wear throughout your treatment. All you have to do is breathe it in, and it should kick in almost immediately.
What Do They Feel Like?
Oral conscious sedation is relatively powerful. It may make you feel tired, though it does not cause unconsciousness. Some patients also find that their body feels heavy. Time may seem to pass very quickly. Although you may be somewhat aware of your surroundings, you should not experience significant fear or anxiety.
Nitrous oxide is milder than oral conscious sedation. It may make you feel giddy (which is why it is sometimes called laughing gas). You may also notice a slight tingling sensation in your limbs.
How Long Do They Last?
Oral conscious sedation lasts for several hours; it might even linger for up to a full day. You should not drive or engage in other potentially dangerous tasks while it is still active in your system.
Nitrous oxide wears off almost as soon as the nasal mask is removed. If you have a busy day planned after your appointment, nitrous oxide should not interfere with your ability to adhere to your schedule.
How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of both types of sedation can vary depending on the dosage needed, the duration of the treatment, and other factors. You can talk to your dental team about cost during your consultation. Generally speaking, oral conscious sedation has a bit higher price than nitrous oxide.
Either nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation might help you get through your next dental appointment with ease! Talk to your dentist to learn more about them and find out which one might be right for you.
Meet the Practice
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, our Beachwood team is pleased to offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. We want patients to be comfortable, so do not hesitate to ask questions about how we can enhance your dental care experience. To learn more about us and the services we provide, get in touch with us at 216-595-1710.