What is Sedation Dentistry? Types of Sedation Dentistry
Does the thought of having an oral procedure keep you away from the dentistās office? Unfortunately, most people would rather endure the agony of tooth pain or take over-the-counter medications than see a dentist for treatment.
If you are among people who struggle with dental fear and anxiety, you’re not alone. Even better, there’s a painless and comfortable way to undergo dental procedures through sedation.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of pharmaceutical products to relax, calm, and prevent pain in a patient before or/and during a dental procedure. Sedation can be used in various dental procedures, from simple techniques such as tooth cleaning to more serious procedures oral surgery.
The type or amount of sedation that a dentist can administer depends on factors such as the severity of the patient’s fear, the length of the procedure, and the degree of discomfort expected. In addition, a dentist needs to understand the use of sedation as under dose or overdose could lead to severe complications. To speak with a certified sedation dentist in 95610, contact Sacramento Natural.
Who Qualifies For Sedation?
Whether or not sedation should be administered is up to your dentist. However, you’ll likely be sedated if you feel extreme fear or anxiety during a dental visit or procedure. Patients undergoing the following dental procedures are also likely to be sedated:
- Simple and surgical tooth extractions
- Dental implants and other restoration procedures, such as bridges, veneers, and crowns
- Bone Grafting Surgery
- Oral surgery
- Periodontal surgery
Types of Sedation
During a dental visit or procedure, a dentist is likely to use any or a combination of the following three types of sedation:
- Inhalation Sedation
I’m sure you’ve heard of the laughing gas, chemically known as nitrous oxide. Inhalation sedation involves inhaling nitrous oxide through a no-odor breathing mask. It’s very effective and takes effect within 2 – 3 minutes after administration. Throughout the procedure, you’ll still be awake but completely relaxed.
The amount of sedation you receive will depend on the length of the procedure. However, it’s worth noting that Inhalation sedation wears out quickly and may not be used alone for lengthy dental procedures. On the positive side, you will be able to go home a few minutes after the process.
- Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, the dentist will give you an anti-anxiety medication, possibly pills to take orally. The type and amount of dosage offered will depend on the amount of relaxation required.
Once the medication takes effect, you will feel calm and relaxed. You’re also likely to feel drowsy. Unlike Inhalation sedation, oral sedation takes time to wear off, so you may not be able to drive yourself home after the appointment.
- IV Sedation
It’s a deep type of sedation, mostly used when a patient needs extensive dental treatment such as oral surgery. IV sedation is administered via an IV, and it completely makes you unconscious and unaware of your environment. You won’t also have the memory of what transpired during the treatment.
A dentist must be certified to offer this type of sedation. Since it involves keeping you completely asleep, you’ll have to rest for a few hours after the process to allow the sedation to wear off. You might as well need someone to drive you home.
What Sedation is Right for My Condition?
The effectiveness of sedation will depend on the level of relaxation that is required. For mild to average relaxation, your dentist is likely to use Inhalation and oral sedation. However, for extensive procedures such as surgery, IV sedation is needed. Ultimately, your dentist should be the one to decide what type of sedation is right for you.
Is Sedation Safe?
While sedation is considered safe, there’s always a risk of getting sedated. To ensure you receive the right dosage of sedation, it’s crucial to ensure that you receive sedation from a qualified and experienced dentist.
It’s also worth noting that sedation makes you drowsy. Especially for oral and IV sedation, it’s important to wait for some time for the anesthetic to wear off. It’s also not safe to drive yourself home after the treatment.
To ensure that you won’t experience any medical side effects, it’s essential to notify your dentist of any pre-existing medications and medical conditions that you’re currently undertaking.
If you experience any severe side effects or complications at home, contact a dentist near you. For a sedation dentist in citrus heights, contact Sacramento Natural.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you have a dental phobia? Sedation dentistry ensures that you undergo pain-free, comfortable, and fearless dental appointments and procedures. To learn more about sedation dentistry in Sacramento, contact Sacramento Natural today to schedule your appointment.