Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to relax patients while they receive dental treatment.

Others have called it "sleep dentistry"; however, this description of sedation dentistry is incorrect. Patients who are not under general anesthesia are frequently awake during the procedure.

What Are The Types Of Sedation Used In Dentistry?

Dentistry uses various sedative techniques, including oral sedation, IV moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Inhaled Minimal Sedation

Patients who get inhaled mild sedation breathe nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," along with oxygen through a nose mask. The gas helps in relaxing the patient. The dentist controls how much sedation the patient experiences during this type of anesthesia. Additionally, nitrous oxide depletes quickly. Children receive mild sedation through inhalation, which is safe for them.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation ranges from mild to moderate, depending on the total dose. Patients take a pill, typically triazolam, to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. A gentle shaking might wake someone under oral sedation if they get sleepy or dizzy throughout the treatment.

IV Moderate Sedation

On the one hand, IV moderate sedation works faster than oral sedation because the sedative drug is received through the veins, adjusting the level of sedation.

Deep Sedation

Medications taken for deep sedation and general anesthesia will make you semi-unconscious or unconscious during a procedure. Also, you cannot wake quickly under general anesthesia until the anesthesia wears off or a reversed medication is taken.

Others might be ideal candidates for sedation in addition to those with anxiety and phobias. For example, patients who need completion of a considerable amount of treatment, have a low pain threshold, tend to fidget while in the dentist's chair, have sensitive teeth, have a poor gag reflex, or have sensitive teeth are possible candidates. Children receive mild sedation through inhalation, which is safe for them.

Sedation dentistry is safe in the dental office even though there is always a risk associated with anesthesia.

Before receiving sedation dentistry, patients with obstructive sleep apnea or obesity may need to speak with their doctor. This is due to the possibility that they will experience difficulties from the anesthesia. Before deciding to undergo sedation dentistry, you should always inform your dentist of any medical issues and drugs you may be taking.