7 Things To Know About Sedation Dentistry




You look at today’s date and suddenly become anxious. Next week is your dentist appointment. 

Does a visit to the dentist send a chill down your spine? If your reply is YES, then sedation dentistry is for you.

What is sedation dentistry?

In sedation dentistry, dentists use sedatives on patients. This reduces the anxiety level and aids in smoother dental treatment. However, the mode of sedation depends on the level of anxiety a patient suffers.

What should you know about sedation dentistry?

1. Sedation dentistry is not similar to Anaesthesia

Sedation offers a varying degree of sleepiness, and anaesthesia is used to induce consciousness loss medically.


Patients undergoing anaesthesia treatment have zero awareness of what is happening around them. Plus, they are also not in control of their reflexes. So, their cardiovascular functioning is closely monitored during the treatment procedure. 


On the contrary, sedation patients have little recognition of the occurrences of their surroundings. They are asleep and not unconscious.


However, both anaesthesia and sedation are used in dentistry. Sedation, for example, is used during root canal procedures, tooth extraction, and others. Anaesthesia is used for complex processes like the best all-on-4 implants reconstructive dentistry, and maxillofacial surgery.


2. There are several levels of sedation


Sedation does not come as a one-size-fits-all. A dentist will give the following types of sedation treatment depending on the requirements:

  • Minimal sedation: Patient is awake but is at ease

  • Moderate sedation: Patient might mumble words and not remember the treatment

  • Deep sedation: The patient is scarcely awake. However, s/he can still wake up if required.

The type of sedation dentistry you receive will depend on the gravity of your fear and the intensity of the process.


Also read: Root Canal Treatment: How to manage your oral hygiene


3. Every dentist cannot perform sedation


Almost all dentists can administer minimum to moderate quantities of sedation. 


However, only a few dentists are qualified to use complex sedation techniques. It includes dental anaesthesiologists, maxillofacial surgeons, and dentists who have undergone expert training in sedative drugs, equipment, and skills.


4. Follow the guidelines to get ready:

A dentist will give you elaborated instructions before giving you sedation treatment. The instructions will depend on the type of treatment you will receive. 


However, some general guidelines include the following:

  • Take every prescribed drug before the operation. You can be given a little sedative to take the night before your appointment.

  • You should refrain from eating or drinking for many hours before your visit. So, to make this easy, many dentists purposefully arrange sedation sessions in the morning.

  • Dress comfortably and loosely.

  • Make sure your dentist is informed of every medical information, including any allergies and prescriptions you may be taking.

5. Sedation dentistry is safe

Patients often mull over if sedation dentistry is a safe option, mainly when they are already on tenterhooks about the treatment. However, sedation dentistry is completely safe when performed by skilled experts and in a supervised environment.
 
Dentists will monitor the patient during oral or nitrous oxide sedation. Furthermore, a nurse anaesthetist will also monitor you if you receive IV sedation.

6. Sedation administration methods


Inhalation: Nitrous oxide is used to calm patients throughout regular dental treatments. It is also known as laughing gas.

Oral sedatives: In this method, the dentist will give syrup or pills to the patient an hour before beginning the treatment.

Intravenous: Here, sedation is given through an IV line in your vein. It is among the deepest levels of sedation.

7. It can serve a variety of patients

Sedation dentistry can benefit various ages and genders of people. It can relieve patients with symptoms like:
  • Dental phobia

  • Gag reflex

  • Highly sensitive teeth

  • Aichmophobia (concern for needles)

  • Decreased sensitivity to local anaesthesia

  • Claustrophobia while sitting in the dental chair

  • Uncontrollable movements

  • Fear and anxiety

Conclusion

The days when people deliberately avoided their dental appointments are gone. Sedation dentistry is here to make your dental journey smoother and bearable. It offers various benefits like improved comfort, faster treatment, and helping people with disabilities.


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