Are you someone who dreads seeing a dentist to fix your teeth but know that you should? Have you heard about sedation dentistry? Many people feel the same way, and you’re not the only one with such thoughts.
If you already feel pain by just thinking about the things that you have to go through to get your teeth fixed, you can put your worries behind you. The solution to your problem is sedation dentistry. Sedation applies to any dental procedure from the invasive ones to simple cleaning of your teeth.
Sedation Dentistry, What is It?
Sedation dentistry makes use of medication that can help ease a patient’s anxiety due to the dental procedure that must be done. It is also known as sleep dentistry, although most patients are awake during the procedure. The only exception is when a patient needs to be under general anesthesia.
The following are the levels of sedation:
- Minimal Sedation
In minimal sedation, the patient is awake but in a completely relaxed state.
- Moderate Sedation
This level of sedation is once known as conscious sedation, wherein the words of a patient are slurred when speaking. The patient will not remember much of what happened during the procedure.
- Deep Sedation
In deep sedation, the patient is on the edge of consciousness but still possible to wake him up without much trouble.
- General Anesthesia
In general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious and unaware of everything that is happening around him.
Sedation dentistry offers different types of sedation that the patient and dentist can discuss before doing the procedure. Don’t confuse the level of sedation with types of sedation.
The following are the different types of sedation that dentists use:
- Oral Sedation
The dentist gives a sedative pill to the patient before the procedure to calm his nerves. Typically about an hour before the appointed time of the procedure.
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation
The patient breathes in laughing gas or nitrous oxide combined with oxygen via a mask that the dentist puts over the nose. The gas can help the patient attain a relaxed state.
- IV Moderate Sedation
The sedative drug is given to the patient intravenously. The sedative works quickly, and the dentist can adjust the level of sedation accordingly.
- Deep Sedation
The patient is given general anesthesia, which makes him almost unconscious or makes him fall into a deep sleep. The patient typically wakes up after the effects of anesthesia wear off.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
You may want to consider sedation dentistry if you feel anxious to go through any dental procedure. You may discuss it with your dentist before undergoing the procedure.
Sedation dentistry offers the following benefits:
- It can encourage you to visit your dentist regularly to prevent any tooth problem from getting worse.
- It makes dental procedures go smoothly and efficiently.
- It offers different sedation levels and types of sedation that you can discuss with your dentist to help you choose the most suitable one for you.
- It provides relief from anxiety while you are undergoing the procedure.
Who are the Candidates for Sedation Dentistry?
Being afraid of the dentist or anxious about going through a dental procedure is not the only reason that makes a person a good candidate for sedation dentistry. It is advisable to subject yourself to sedation before any dental procedure if you are any of the following:
- Someone who simply can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
- Someone who needs to undergo several dental procedures in one sitting
- Someone that has low tolerance in experiencing pain
- Someone with sensitive gums or teeth
It is important to discuss everything with your dentist to get the best experience when undergoing a dental procedure using sedation dentistry.