Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation, or anxiolysis, is a medication-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired temporarily, respiratory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. Such treatment is commonly performed in dental practices.
Local Anesthesia
Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface level. Topical anesthetics are used to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic.
Injectable local anesthetics, such as Novocain, prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. They cause the temporary numbness often referred to as a “fat lip” feeling.