Dental Sedation

Do you have a dental phobia? Do you have anxiety? Have you had a traumatic relax dental experience in the past? Sedation can be a safe and effective way to help youduring treatment.

IV Conscious Sedation

During IV sedation, medications are given intravenously (through your vein). The medications are very calming and relaxing and will help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. You will still be awake during the procedure, but you may not remember the procedure. An advantage of IV sedation is that the amount of medication given can be easily increased until you have reached the desired comfort level. You will need an escort to take you home following the procedure.

Oral Sedation

With oral sedation, the medication is given in a pill form; however, the calming effects can be very similar to that of IV sedation. A disadvantage of using oral sedation compared to IV sedation is that the level of sedation can vary from person to person and even day to day with the same person. This level of sedation may not be consistently “deep” enough for some. You will still need to have an escort with you.


Inhalation Sedation (Laughing Gas)

This form of sedation is a gas, which is breathed in through a small nose piece during the procedure. The level of sedation reached is not as “deep” of sedation as is oral or IV sedation. However, it may help relax you and you may experience some tingling, warming sensations and, or a feeling of euphoria. An advantage of inhalation sedation is that not only does it work very quickly, but it’s effects also end very quickly after the sedation is stopped . This means that within a few minutes of finishing the procedure you will act and feel completely normal and therefore you do not need an escort to take you home.

Written by Ryan Mendro DDS, MS
Orlando Periodontist