Some people aren't very nervous about getting dental treatment. Others find it hard to enter the dentist's office. If you are nervous or fearful about dental treatment, sedation can help relax you. It will make your visit easier and more pleasant.

Dentists who provide sedation to their patients must be specially trained. For oral and maxillofacial surgeons, this is part of their hospital training.

Talk to your dentist about your anxiety. He or she may not know about your fears. If your dentist doesn't know you are anxious, he or she may not suggest sedation.

Talking with your dentist about your fears may be enough to make you feel better. If not, your dentist can give you sedative medicine. Your dentist can even prescribe a sedative for the night before your appointment, in case you have trouble sleeping. If you do take a sedative drug the night before your appointment, you should arrange to have someone drive you to and from the office. Also, avoid alcohol and over-the-counter sleep aids. They can react with sedatives.

Many sedatives can be used during your treatment. Nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) is started just before treatment begins. Diazepam and other similar drugs can be given 30 to 60 minutes before treatment. These drugs do not provide pain relief. You will still get a shot to numb the area.

Your dentist can provide different levels of sedation. The levels depend on the types of sedatives and their doses. Your dentist might consider deeper levels of sedation for complex procedures or more anxious patients.

• Anxiolysis — Very light sedation. This is usually induced by nitrous oxide and/or a pill you take before the procedure. It gives you a feeling of not having any worries. You may not recall the procedure.



• Conscious sedation — Medium sedation. This is induced by nitrous oxide or intravenous drugs. Your gag reflex still works, and you can respond to commands.



• Deep sedation — You are somewhere between conscious and unconscious, but closer to unconscious. You experience a partial loss of your gag reflex. You cannot respond consistently to stimulation or commands. You also may be unable to keep your airway open for breathing.



• General anesthesia — You are unconscious. You cannot keep your airway open for breathing. You do not respond to commands. Usually, a tube will be placed in your throat to help you breathe.

If you will be receiving nitrous oxide, eat lightly before and after your appointment to prevent nausea. After your dental procedure is over, you will receive oxygen for several minutes to clear the nitrous oxide from your system.

Children often receive antihistamine-type sedatives (such as hydroxyzine). These can cause a dry mouth that may last a few hours. Children should be encouraged to drink. This will make the mouth and throat feel better.

If you are taking medication for psychiatric conditions, talk to your dentist before receiving any sedative.