Your dentist may use four main types of sedation: Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, Intravenous (IV) Sedation, and General Anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide, often called “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a small mask that is placed over your nose. You will start to feel relaxed and drowsy within a few minutes. The gas is then turned off, and you will be able to drive yourself home after your appointment. Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered through a small needle in your arm. You will likely not remember much of your procedure and may not even be able to drive yourself home afterwards. General anesthesia is the most extreme form of sedation, and it is reserved for highly anxious patients or for more invasive treatments. Patients who undergo general anesthesia will lose consciousness completely. The patient will be unable to see, hear, or recall anything that happens during the procedure.