Sedation dentistry is an approach to dentistry that uses varying types of sedation to relax anxious patients during their dental treatment. There are different levels of sedation that can be offered depending on a patient’s anxiety level, as well as the type of procedure being performed. There are also different ways to administer the sedative such as through inhalation, oral consumption, or an intravenous catheter.
Did You Know?
Sedation dentistry is allowing patients with mild to severe dental anxiety to comfortably and easily get the dental care they need. With some types of sedation, you can actually sleep through the entire procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental sedation?
You may be a candidate for dental sedation if you:
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Experience dental anxiety
- Are having a long and/or invasive procedure
However, to ensure that dental sedation can be safely administered, your dentist will need to evaluate your overall health, age, and current medications to make sure you are an ideal candidate. To find out more about how dental sedation can help you, schedule a consultation with us today.
What dental sedation options are available?
The following dental sedation options are available for our patients:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. Once the gas has been inhaled, it will produce feelings of calmness and sometimes euphoria. Its euphoric effects have actually earned it the nickname “laughing gas”. Although nitrous oxide sedation will relax you, you will still be conscious and responsive since this is a mild sedative.
- Oral Sedation: oral sedation uses one or more strong sleeping pills that are given the night before and/or the morning of your procedure. Depending on the dosage, oral sedation can offer mild to moderate levels of sedation. This means that you may be able to fall into a light sleep, however you can easily be awoken if needed.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation uses an intravenous catheter placed in the arm to deliver sedatives directly into the bloodstream. This is the fastest-acting and most controllable sedative option and can provide moderate to deep sedation. In some cases, IV sedation can render you completely unconscious.
What can I expect when undergoing dental sedation?
Your expectations while under dental sedation will vary depending on the type of sedation used. Generally speaking, you can expect to feel so relaxed that you may want to take a nap in the dentist’s chair. Although lighter sedation will allow you to be aware of what is happening around you, there will be no anxiety. In the case of deeper sedation, you may fall asleep and/or have little to no memory of the procedure.