That “floating but totally aware” thing with nitrous is oddly specific—like being stuck halfway between chill and panic. I get the budget struggle, though. Have you ever tried noise-cancelling headphones at the dentist? Sometimes drowning out that drill with music helps more than I expected… not a perfect fix, but it’s cheaper than oral sedation.
That “stuck between chill and panic” feeling with nitrous is something I hear a lot. It’s wild how some folks just don’t find it relaxing at all, while others almost nod off. Have you noticed if music actually distracts you from the sounds, or is it more about having something else to focus on? I’ve seen people bring playlists, but sometimes they still tense up when the drill starts. Wonder if it’s more about the anticipation than the noise itself…
That anticipation is honestly half the battle for a lot of people. I’ve noticed some folks are actually more tense waiting for the drill than when it’s running. Music can help, but I think it depends on how easily someone gets pulled into what they’re listening to. For some, it’s just background noise and doesn’t do much once the real action starts. I always tell patients to pick something super familiar or comforting—sometimes that helps anchor them more than just any playlist. Have you ever tried guided meditations or podcasts instead? Sometimes a story or voice is more distracting than music alone.