Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- Probably the most common form of sedation in the dental office is nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep, and is effective at reducing your anxiety about a dental procedure. It is very safe and is provided in most dental offices. Local injections of anesthesia are still used in combination with nitrous oxide and are practically painless.
Sedation Dentistry
- Enteral Sedation. The next type of sedation comes in the form of a pill or liquid that you take orally. This is called enteral sedation. Like local anesthetics, oftentimes it is used in combination with nitrous oxide. You may still be awake, but not nervous about the dental work.