Sedation dentistry describes the methods used by dentists to manage patient pain and anxiety while at the same time allowing the patient to respond to physical stimulation and verbal command.

There are three common types of sedation:

• Inhalation sedation - such as nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas or happy gas)
  
• Oral sedation - pills or liquid taken through the mouth
  
• Intravenous sedation sedatives administered directly into the blood-stream through the vein

Sedation dentistry requires that the patient arrive with a companion to drive the patient home after the procedure.Before any dental procedures commence, the patient will become drowsy and relaxed from the sedation, and the patient will be attached to a monitor so that the dentist can watch the patient vital signs. At the completion of the dental procedures, the patient will be allowed to recover from the effects of the sedation before being allowed to go home with the companion.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for people who have:

• A high level of fear or anxiety
  
• Suffered past traumatic dental experiences
  
• Difficulty in getting numb
  
• An overactive gag reflex
  
• Very sensitive teeth
  
• Complex dental problems
  
• The need to squeeze several procedures into a limited time period
  
• A fear of needles and shots
  
• A strong dislike of the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care
  
• TMJ related difficulties where it is uncomfortable to open their mouth for extended periods