Do you feel uneasy about visiting the dentist? You are not alone. Many patients experience anxiety before or during dental visits, especially when facing unfamiliar treatments. At Artistic Dentistry, we want you to feel calm and secure throughout your care. To help ease your nerves, we offer two types of conscious sedation in Tucson, Arizona: nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Both sedation methods allow you to remain awake and responsive during treatment while minimizing stress and discomfort.
Understanding Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is a safe and mild sedative that you inhale through a small mask placed over your nose. Within minutes, you will begin to feel relaxed, light-headed or even giddy. This calming effect helps many patients manage fear or anxiety during dental work. One of the key benefits of nitrous oxide is its short-lived effect. Once the mask is removed and you breathe normal air, the gas will wear off quickly — often within five minutes. Because it leaves your system so rapidly, you can safely and legally drive yourself home after your appointment.
Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who experience mild to moderate dental anxiety. It is also a good option for children or adults undergoing shorter procedures. If you feel anxious about the dental environment, struggle with a sensitive gag reflex or simply want a more relaxed experience, nitrous oxide may be a suitable choice. Please let our dentists and team know if you have any concerns before your visit so we can tailor your care to your comfort.
Exploring Oral Sedation
Oral sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation and is often recommended for patients who experience more significant dental fear or who are undergoing lengthy or complex procedures. Administered in pill form, oral sedation is easy to use and does not require any special equipment. While you will remain awake during your procedure, you will likely feel extremely calm and may have limited memory of the experience afterward.
If you and our dentists decide that oral sedation is the right choice for your needs, you will be given a prescription to take before your appointment. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully and arrange for someone to drive you to and from the office. Though you will be conscious, you may feel drowsy and will not be able to safely operate a vehicle.
Oral sedation is especially helpful for patients with strong gag reflexes, difficulty sitting still for long periods or those needing extensive dental treatment in a single visit. It is a cost-effective way to feel more at ease while receiving high-quality dental care.
Schedule Your Sedation Consultation
We are here to help you have a positive experience at every appointment. If you are interested in conscious sedation in Tucson, Arizona, we invite you to contact us today to learn more and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Luis Keys, Dr. Karina Keys, Dr. or Dr. Lakin Radeka.