Nitrous Oxide

At Weaver Dentistry, we want our patients to be at ease during all their dental visits. That is why we offer sedation dentistry options to alleviate dental anxiety.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate dental anxiety. We administer it through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raise your pain threshold, and even make time seem like it's passing quicker than usual. As the gas begins to work, you will become calm, although you will still be awake and able to talk with your dentist. At the end of your appointment, you'll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can drive yourself home after your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation is a prescription medication provided by your dentist to be taken 2 hours prior to your procedure. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a common sedative used for anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which slow down the activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. When using this medication for your dental procedure, you will need a driver to escort you to your appointment. You will be very sleepy for several hours while using the medication.