I used to dread dentist visits big time, like sweaty palms and everything. But recently I found out about sedation dentistry—basically they give you something to chill you out or even put you under during the procedure. I went with oral sedation (just a pill), and honestly, it was a game changer. Barely remember anything, no anxiety at all. Curious if anyone else has tried other methods like laughing gas or IV sedation and how it went for you?
Glad you mentioned this, because I've been putting off a root canal for months now due to anxiety. Just the thought of drills and needles makes my stomach churn. I've heard about sedation dentistry but wasn't sure how effective it really was. Your experience with oral sedation sounds reassuring.
Has anyone here tried laughing gas specifically? I'm leaning towards that because it seems less intense than IV sedation, but I'm worried it might not be strong enough to calm my nerves completely. Does it just make you feel relaxed, or do you actually forget what's happening during the procedure?
Also, how long does the effect last afterward? Like, can you drive yourself home after laughing gas, or do you need someone to pick you up? I know with IV sedation you're definitely out of commission for a while, but I'm hoping laughing gas is a bit more manageable.
Honestly, it's comforting to hear others have similar anxieties and found ways around them. Makes me feel less embarrassed about being so nervous over something routine like dental work...
I totally get where you're coming from—I had a similar anxiety about dental work for years. Last year, I finally bit the bullet and went for laughing gas during a filling. Honestly, it worked better than I expected. It didn't knock me out or make me forget the procedure entirely, but it definitely took the edge off. I felt relaxed, kinda floaty, and less bothered by the sounds and sensations. I still knew what was happening, but it just didn't seem as stressful or intense.
One of the best parts was how quickly it wore off afterward. Within about 10-15 minutes, I felt completely normal again. My dentist said it was fine to drive myself home, and I had no issues at all. Way easier than IV sedation in that regard.
If your anxiety is really severe, laughing gas alone might not completely erase it, but it makes the whole experience way more manageable. I'd say it's worth giving a shot before going for something stronger. You're definitely not alone in feeling nervous—dental anxiety is super common, and there's no shame in finding ways to cope with it.
Laughing gas sounds like it worked great for you, but honestly, when I looked into sedation options, the cost difference really made me pause. My dentist charges quite a bit extra for nitrous oxide, and insurance doesn't always cover it. So I ended up exploring other anxiety management techniques instead.
What actually helped me was bringing noise-canceling headphones and listening to a podcast during the procedure. It didn't completely get rid of my anxiety, but it distracted me enough that I wasn't hyper-focused on every little sound and sensation. Plus, it's free, which is a big bonus if you're budget-conscious like me.
I definitely get that laughing gas might be worth it if your anxiety is severe enough, but for anyone worried about extra costs or hesitant about sedation in general, trying out simpler distractions first could be a solid alternative.
