There are basically four levels of sedation dentistry. Light sedation is usually performed using nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture (laughing gas). This is a gas that you breathe through a nosepiece and is used with local anesthetic. This is used to reduce anxiety and keep you comfortable during your visit. Since it is a gas, the sedation will wear off immediately--you don't need anyone to drive you home. Most patients choose nitrous because it lets them feel so relaxed.

The next level is light conscious sedation. This level is reached utilizing an oral tranquilizer in combination with or without the use of laughing gas. This is a very comfortable and painless way to have your dentistry done. For this level you must have someone bring you to the dentist's office and take you home.

The third level of conscious sedation is referred to as heavy conscious sedation and is administered in the same manner as above. This method takes you to a deeper level of sedation either by increasing the level of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or the strength of other sedation drugs.

The deepest level of sedation that can be used by the dentist is I.V. sedation. This is when an anesthesiologist-dentist administers drugs via an I.V. drip (intravenously). This level of sedation is reserved for the most fearful adults or children. This level is also used for the fearful patient who wants to do a lot of work done in a short period of time. It isn't just for fearful patients. It can also be used for people who don't have time to visit the dentist for several visits. If you need a lot of work done you can come in and spend the whole day instead of multiple visits. This can be the option if you have a lot of cavities that need to be filled or multiple crowns.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a comfortable and painless way to have your dentistry done, look for a sedation dentist who can provide you with conscious or I.V. sedation. No longer put off visiting the dentist because of fear.