Sedation dentistry is a form of treatment that can calm down someone's nerves to make it easier for them to deal with procedures like getting fillings or crowns. The most common sedation option for patients is nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”. The patient breathes in the gas and it acts on the brain to help them relax. Another popular option is oral sedation, which involves taking medicine orally before or even during the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is used to reduce fear and anxiety to make dental procedures more comfortable. While it's not meant to mask the pain from a dental procedure, it can help you relax and take away some of the stress associated with going to the dentist. This can also be a good option for people who need multiple procedures done at once.