What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is also called relaxation dentistry. You won’t actually be asleep, but you will feel very sleepy, comfortable and very little to no pain. Sedation is effective and extremely safe.
Sedation Options
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area being worked on. It is given through injection or swabbing a topical anesthetic gel on the injection site. Depending on the type and amount, you may feel numb for as little as five minutes up to three hours after your treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
With nitrous oxide, a small inhaler is placed over your nose. At first, this provides pure oxygen for you to breath. After a few minutes, nitrous oxide is introduced into the oxygen flow. Most patients say that nitrous makes them feel light-headed and comfortably warm throughout the appointment. With this method, you remain completely conscious. When the treatment is over, you will receive pure oxygen to ensure you don’t leave lightheaded.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is an option if you don’t want to remember your visit or if complex treatments are to be performed. Oral sedation involves first determining if you are good candidate. If you are, you will be prescribed a sedative to take an hour before your dental procedure. Someone will need to accompany you to the office, as you will be very drowsy when you arrive. While you won’t be completely unconscious, you probably won’t remember the appointment. Once complete, your companion can escort you home to relax.
Yes, sedation is safe and works well. Before you can receive any sedation, however, you need to discuss your medical history with your dentist. You will be asked whether you or anyone in your family has had difficulty with sedation or anesthetics. You will also be asked if you are pregnant, taking steroids or on any medication.
If you have had a past traumatic dental experience, difficulty becoming numb, a bad gag reflex, very sensitive teeth or complex dental problems, sedation might be right for you. Sedation eliminates anxiety by helping patients stay calm and relaxed. Most patients have little to no memory of the dental procedure. If you need extensive or complex dental treatments, sedation may reduce the number of appointments necessary to accomplish your treatment plan. Finally, by helping patients decrease their overall anxiety, many patients don’t need sedation during their next visit.
