Sedation Options

In our South Burlington periodontist office we are happy to offer two forms of sedation to address any potential anxiety you may experience during your procedure.

Oral Sedation

A combination of two medications is prescribed. Triazolam (Halcion), an anti-anxiety medication, is combined with Vistaril, an antihistamine. Taken together, these medications will help you to relax during your procedure. Although you will remain awake, you will achieve a deeply relaxed state and will likely remember little of the appointment. The medications are taken one hour prior to your visit. You must have someone to drive you to and from your appointment, and should not be left alone for the remainder of the day. You may not drive a car after taking the medications, and should be careful when walking up or down stairs. Please see our oral sedation consent form for additional precautions.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (“laughing gas”)

Nitrous oxide oxygen is a gas that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose during your procedure, allowing you to relax. The level of sedation can be easily controlled by you, increasing or decreasing your state of relaxation. After your procedure is complete, you will breathe oxygen, flushing the nitrous oxide from your body. You will recover more quickly from this form of sedation, may arrive and leave the office alone, and immediately resume normal activities.