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Woman sitting in a Dentist's waiting room looking anxious

Many patients are anxious about seeing the dentist.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry goes by several names – conscious sedation, sleep dentistry, relaxation dentistry or oral sedation – but the effect is the same. Your pain and anxiety are kept under control as you remain just below the level of consciousness during your dental procedure. Because you are thoroughly relaxed and comfortable, the doctor can perform procedures that might ordinarily take years to complete in only one or two visits!

How Does Conscious Sedation Differ from General Anesthesia?

When a patient is under general anesthesia, he or she is completely unconscious and unable to respond in any way. Conscious sedation, on the other hand, allows the patient to respond to questions or commands and to breathe normally, but he or she will have little or no memory of the procedure upon awakening.

Are There Different Types of Sedation Dentistry?

There are several ways to administer the relaxing benefits of sedation dentistry:

  • Inhalation Sedation – Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is delivered though a mask from which you breathe normally. It works quickly, blocking out all sensation of pain, with no side effects or “hangover” type symptoms after the procedure is completed.
  • Oral Sedation – Delivered via pill form, this is usually taken at bedtime the night before the dental procedure and again one hour before the set appointment time. This form of sedation produces a drowsy, calming effect that greatly reduces anxiety.
  • IV Sedation – Delivered via the bloodstream, this form of sedation acts quickly to place you in a totally relaxed state and causes partial to full memory loss (amnesia), so there is little, if any, memory of the procedure.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

During your dental treatment, we constantly monitor your vital signs to make sure everything is normal. The doctor has been carefully trained in sedation dentistry, so there is no need for any additional worry! Many dentists around the world now use sedation dentistry because it is considered to be so safe.

Sedation dentistry allows Smart Choice Dental to offer you the optimal environment to complete multiple treatments in only one or two appointments. You remain calm and relaxed while we do all the work to improve your smile!


Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner such as a Specialist Oral Surgeon.