Sedation Dentistry in Niles, IL

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, has been used in dental offices for nearly 100 years. It is a sedative inhaled through the nose that begins to work after about 20 seconds. The mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen induces relaxation and calmness, making the dental experience more comfortable for patients. One of the key advantages of nitrous oxide is its quick recovery time; after the mask is removed, the effects wear off rapidly, and patients can often resume their daily activities, including driving themselves home.

This form of sedation is particularly suitable for patients with mild to moderate anxiety, including children, as it can help alleviate fear and promote a sense of ease during dental procedures. The team at Dental Specialists of Niles, P.C., may recommend Inhalation Conscious Sedation for patients who are nervous about their dental visits, ensuring a more pleasant and stress-free experience.

Oral Conscious Sedation (given by mouth) involves a small pill taken prior to your appointment. It is a popular option for many people because it does not require use of needles. Oral sedatives are either swallowed in pill form or can be dissolved under the tongue. Both methods work within minutes. These medications help your experience of dental treatment to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible. In addition, they have a long safety record after decades of research and testing, and several even have “amnesic” properties, meaning you will remember little to nothing, even though you are conscious throughout the treatment. Your vital signs are monitored during the sedation to ensure everything is running smoothly. Although you will be very drowsy, you will not be unconscious and you will be able to communicate with our staff during the procedure.

IV Conscious Sedation are Sedatives delivered directly into the bloodstream intravenously (into the vein), and are more potent than when taken orally. Because IV sedation has an almost immediate effect on the body and its functions, there is a higher level of training required for those who administer it and monitoring with specialized equipment throughout IV sedation treatment to ensure everything is going smoothly. This type of sedation is recommended for Patients undergoing a more complex dental procedure, or who have severe dental anxiety. In addition, this form of sedation has more profound amnesic effects, so you will remember little to nothing.