Some patients need a little help achieving a relaxed state. Three basic options are inhalation, oral and intra-venous.

Inhalation sedation is by breathing nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"). It has a very quick onset, takes the edge off one's anxiety, and immediately wears off when the patient stops inhaling the gas.

Oral sedation is by swallowing a pill, usually triazolam (Halcion) or diazepam (Valium). This has a slow onset, is effective for the more anxious patients, and wears off slowly.

Intra-venous sedation (IV) is achieved through various drugs administered directly into the bloodstream. The effects are almost immediate, most effective for the most anxious patient, and wears off slowly.