Sedatives are agents to aid in relaxation. They work by reducing your anxiety level and are often given when basic relaxation techniques fail. Sedatives may be used in tandem with anesthetics and analgesics. These kinds of sedatives (such as nitrous oxide and tranquilizers) can be administered before, during or after dental procedures. Patients normally receive sedation orally by inhaling nitrous oxide or swallowing a tranquilizer.

Here are some basic kinds of sedation:

Inhalation sedation, Nitrous Oxide

Inhalation sedation uses combinations of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases, which are inhaled by the patient through a rubber nose mask. Nitrous oxide is a very benign, safe and simple drug to use. The strength of the sedative effect depends upon the concentration of nitrous oxide that is inhaled. The effects of nitrous oxide are easily controlled by the patient simply by breathing more or less room air through the mouth.

The effects of the gas wear off quite quickly upon removal. This gas does produce a feeling of well-being and euphoria combined with a feeling of good self-control while the treatment is being performed.

Children tend to respond better to nitrous oxide as apposed to other techniques, although some are fearful of having a mask placed on their nose.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is sense of calmness while awake. Analgesics, anti-anxiety agents, and sedatives are used in some combination in order to make the patient more comfortable and relaxed, thereby making pain more manageable. Patients who have received this kind of sedation typically feel as though they have been asleep throughout their appointment. Patients who are faced with a greater degree of fear or anxiety, or are experiencing root canals or tooth extractions sometimes ask to be sedated for their treatment.