Dentist: Laughing Gas vs Muscle Relaxer

I have two cavities I need drilled on and I have been postponing it for the past two years because I am terrified of being drilled on. Last time I was in so much pain that I just let my teeth go this time because I have been so nervous about it.

I need either laughing gas or a muscle relaxer and don't know the best solution.

I've taken a muscle relaxer before when I had my IUD replaced and though it relaxed me I was still in pain. I have never taken laughing gas.

It would be $40-$50 cheaper to do a muscle relaxer, but I need someone to stay at my appointment and drive me home. Laughing gas is more expensive but once its done I am free to go about my day.

What are your experiences at the dentist and which would you recommend?

I have mixed feelings. I had wisdom teeth removed and SHOULD have had laughing gas because I kept passing out throughout the procedure. I have had laughing gas at the dentist before and it caused me nausea and vomiting. I usually opt for Lidocaine injections for most dental work these days although I would probably choose laughing gas for complex dental work. My heart goes out to you!!!

Actually, I have never had someone drive me home after having laughing gas at a dental appt. with the exception of the time I had laughing gas for a root canal. But I get laughing gas for dental crowns all the time (of which I unforunately have had many crowns)., and I drive myself home afterwards all the time. I would think it would be the opposite, with a muscle relaxer you'd need someone to drive you home. The laughing gas wears off within about 5 min. once they switch you to oxygen. They may sure you're standing/walking okay, but no problems leaving, I've felt completely normal other than the obviously numb mouth.

Blueberry, thats what i thought she said too, but actually she said it the opposite - the muscle relaxer needs a driver, the laughing gas does not but is more expensive.

I know laughing gas is back in vogue for safe labor pain relief. You can read on the Mayo Clinic's website about it. If it is safe for labor pain, it obviously is safe for dental work. It just apparently, for labor pain, is not always reliably effective.

My recommendation for the dentist is simply a really skilled dentist, numbing cream first, anesthesia shots later, and a few of them, spaced out in increments. And raise your hand if you sill feel a thing - the dentist would add anesthesia. It is as much art as science and a whole lot depends on whether the dentist can give almost painless anesthesia shots. I have been lucky with both dentist and endodontist. I make sure to praise their ability to give almost painless anesthesia shots, to give credit where credit is due as this makes a world of difference. My dentist told me last time that she is fortunate to have a "light" hand.

I always have local anesthesia shots for all procedures. And I had a ton of dental work done. Never heard of them using laughing gas or muscle relaxant. Is that a thing? Is it regional? No one ever suggested I do any of that