At a dentist, which do you prefer, nitrous oxide, or sedation? what should i do?

Sedation vs Nitrous : Great question. Nitrous is a better and more complete anesthetic, since it not only sedates but also controls pain. "sedation" is intravenous medication or a pill given an hour before the procedure, that sedates but does not control pain. Your dentist will also use local anesthetics to control pain. There is research tying nitrous to permanent mild brain damage in mammals (rats). Your call.

Depends on anxiety: If you have some degree of dental phobia or high anxiety I recommend conscious sedation. If your anxiety level is low perhaps the administration of nitrous oxide may be enough. If you do not want to remember anything then choose oral sedation with Halcion (triazolam) or IV sedation with Versed. With all form of sedation local anesthetic will be use. I hope this helps!

Comfort zone: The appropriate anesthesia depends on the complexity of the dental treatment and your own comfort zone. With the profound local anesthesia and IV sedation you will have no recall of the events of the dental surgery or experience any pain. Good luck.