No one really loves the idea of oral surgery, but for some people, it can induce severe anxiety. It’s completely understandable to be nervous about dental procedures, although the team at Prosper Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re having wisdom teeth removed, receiving a dental implant, or any other dental procedure, there are ways to help you relax during your procedure. Modern advancements have provided more options than ever when it comes to sedation - learn more about the different kinds and how they work. 

Types of Available Sedation For Oral Surgery

Utilizing sedation for your oral surgery can help ease anxiety, but that’s not the only perk. It can also minimize pain and reduce the gag reflex, allowing us to work more efficiently and enabling a smoother experience overall. The type of sedation recommended for you will depend on your specific procedure, your medical history, and your personal level of anxiety, but can include one of the following:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide - which you may know as laughing gas - is a gas based sedative that gets inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. You will remain awake during the procedure, but feel significantly more relaxed. 

The Pros of Nitrous Oxide:

• Nitrous oxide works quickly.
• You stay awake and aware throughout the procedure.
• It’s safe for most patients - even kids! 
• It wears off as quickly as it kicks in, meaning there’s no lingering drowsiness.

The Cons of Nitrous Oxide:

• Some people experience mild nausea or dizziness.
• May not be enough for patients with severe anxiety.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation comes in the form of a prescribed pill that is taken before your appointment. Oral sedatives are more relaxing than laughing gas, while you still remain awake. 

Pros of Oral Sedation

• Oral sedatives are more relaxing than nitrous oxide.
• It’s easy! You just swallow a pill.
• Many patients report they don’t remember much of their procedure once it’s done.

Cons of Oral Sedation

• Oral sedation can cause significant grogginess for hours after it wears off, meaning patients won’t be able to drive themselves home.
• It can impact people differently.
• Planning is required as oral sedation must be taken prior to your procedure appointment.

IV Sedation 

For more complex surgeries or patients with severe anxiety, IV (intravenous) sedation may be the best option. Using an IV, a sedative will be administered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for the precise level of sedation needed. IV sedatives bring deep relaxation, often causing people to even sleep through their procedure. 

Pros of IV Sedation

• IV sedation works quickly.
• IV sedation can be adjusted as needed.
• It provides the deepest level of relaxation without general anesthesia.
• Most patients have little to no memory of their procedure. 

Cons of IV Sedation

• Some patients do not love the idea of an IV.
• Drowsiness may linger through the rest of the day.
• Patients will need a driver to take them home.

Each type of sedation available comes with its own set of perks and risks, and what is good for one patient may not be good for another. It’s important to discuss your concerns and level of anxiety honestly with our team prior to your procedure appointment so we can prepare accordingly. Planning in advance is vital for oral and IV sedatives, requiring time to work as well as a responsible party available to drive you home and stay with you until the grogginess wears off. 

Find Your Oral Surgery Specialists at Prosper Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants

Dental anxiety is no fun, but with the right communication and proper planning, it can be managed. We will do what we can to ease your worries and provide the options best suited for your level of anxiety, medical history, and the complexity of your surgery. Using nitrous oxide, oral sedatives or an IV sedative can make your experience significantly more comfortable by putting you at ease throughout the procedure. 

If you’re in need of oral surgery, don’t let your fears hold you back. Reach out to Prosper Wisdom Teeth and Implants to schedule an appointment today by calling 469-296-8757. After an exam to determine your needs, we can answer any questions or concerns you have. Let’s work together to plan the right approach to provide you with a stress-free path toward better oral health!