A Detailed Look into Sedation Dentistry

A Detailed Look into Sedation Dentistry

Aug 31, 2020

Dentophobia is so strong in some people such that they would rather suffer the agony that is brought by dental diseases than seek any treatment.

For such persons, dental sedation can be of great help because it helps lower anxiety in patients and also helps them to remain calm during invasive procedures and other oral practices performed by dental professionals.

To understand more about sedation dentistry, including its uses, benefits, and its types, read ahead.

Sedation Dentistry Defined

Sedation dentistry refers to various medications that are used on dental patients to help them relax before conducting dental procedures on them. There are different sedation levels, and the one to be used will vary from one patient to another. These levels include:

  • Deep sedation – In this level, the patient is on the verge of consciousness though they can be awakened.
  • Moderate sedation – This was formerly known as “conscious sedation”, and patients on this level are known to slur words when they speak. They are also not likely to recall much of what went down during the procedure.
  • Minimal sedation – At this state, one will be completely awake, but the body will be relaxed.
  • General anesthesia – Under general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious.

The Various Types of Dental Sedation Used by Dentists

  • Oral Sedation

Oral sedation will range from moderate to minimal, and that will depend on the amount of dosage given. During minimal sedation, a pill is given to the patient to take one hour prior to the procedure.

The pill makes one drowsy but not sleepy. For moderate sedation, a larger dosage will have to be administered. People under this sedation tend to become groggy such that they fall asleep but can be awakened by shaking them gently.

  • Inhaled-minimal Sedation

Of all the different types of sedation out there, this is the only one where patients are allowed to drive themselves home after undergoing the dental procedure, they booked themselves for. It involves inhaling laughing gas that has been mixed with oxygen for relaxation.

A special type of mask is placed over the patient’s nose for them to inhale. The dentist in charge is the one who regulates the amount you are to receive before, after, and during the procedure. One advantage of this type of sedation is that it wears off faster as compared to the rest, and it does not need any special preparations.

  • IV Sedation

It involves injecting the patient with a sedative drug. The drug is normally injected through one of the patient’s vein; thus, its effects will kick in more quickly.

  • Deep Sedation

When deep sedation has been selected, the patient is put in deep sleep, and he or she is almost or totally unconscious. At this point, it’s impossible to wake the patient up unless the drug wears off or its effects are reversed by another medication.

According to sedation dentists in Flower Mound, TX, regardless of the type of dental sedation, you’ll receive, a local anesthetic will be needed to numb the site that your dentist is going to work on. It also serves as a pain reliever whenever the treatment process brings any discomfort.

Some patients who think general anesthesia is the best option but what some do not know is that it has its potential negative effects that other methods do not have. If you do a little research, you will realize that most dentists near you will ask you to reconsider this type of sedation.

Dentists at Smile Craft Dental Clinic in Flower Mound, TX, urge you to share any vital information about your health that may be of concern whenever you visit a dental office near you. This includes any allergies that you have ever experienced especially if the allergic reaction was triggered by anesthesia. Sharing such information will assist your dental care provider in making safer recommendations.

How Safe Can Sedation Dentistry Be?

There is a risk that is always associated with anesthesia although these risks are usually low when experienced dental professionals administer it. However, people who are suffering from sleep apnea or those that are obese, should have a talk with their doctor prior to the sedation. This is because they are at a higher risk of developing complications.

Call Now Book Now
Click to listen highlighted text!