What You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry
If visiting your family dentist fills you with anxiety, you aren’t alone. Many people feel uneasy about getting in the dentist’s chair, regardless of what procedure they’re getting. However, sedation dentistry is a safe, commonly used method of putting patients at ease and making dental procedures as easy as possible.
Feeling uneasy about getting your teeth worked on is a very common occurrence — and is a perfectly natural feeling. We understand and want you to be as informed as possible when deciding to use sedation dentistry.
At Mountain and Sea Dental, we offer sedation dentistry as an option to our patients. In doing so, we make procedures easier to perform and receive. In this article, we’ll share what you need to know about sedation dentistry to help you determine if it is the right fit for you.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
People sometimes hear “sedative” and confuse it with anesthesia. While a quality dentist may offer both, they serve different purposes. Local anesthesia numbs patients to pain. Dentists utilize them for more extensive surgeries, like installing dental implants or removing teeth. Sedatives instead relax patients, so they feel less tense and anxious. However, dentists may use sedatives alongside anesthesia in certain situations to accomplish both.
Dentists use sedation to relax patients and help them feel more at ease. Sedatives are often used for non-invasive cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening. However, for extensive surgical work, general anesthesia is used to put the patient under.
Are There Different Levels of Sedation?
A dental professional may use four different doses of sedation depending on your needs. They are:
- Minimal sedation: in which the patient remains awake but is in a more relaxed state
- Moderate sedation: in which the patient is still awake and relaxed, but their memory of the procedure is lost, creating a sense of shortened time.
- Deep or heavy sedation: in which the relaxation is so great the patient falls asleep (but is easily awakened).
- General anesthesia: wherein the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the procedure
Cosmetic dental care can call for any one of these sedation levels, but, as explained previously, dentists use heavier levels of sedation for more prolonged or more complex procedures.
Minimal sedation helps curb general anxiety or nervousness. Moderate to deep sedation is used for more prolonged operations, as a complete dental makeover, because they allow the patient to be unconscious or in a twilight-sleep-like state that allows them to feel no pain and feel like time passes very quickly.
How Are Sedatives Administered?
Family and cosmetic dentistry practitioners can administer sedatives in three different forms:
- Oral sedative: A pill given before the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide gets mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask during the procedure to reduce anxiety.
- Intravenous: intravenous sedatives are much less common than other options but are still available for certain circumstances.
Not every dentist specializes in sedation, and those that do may not utilize all types or levels. The American Dental Association and individual states have established standards and certifications that dental professionals must meet to be licensed to use different sedative types and techniques.
Are There Any Precautions for Sedation Dentistry?
The sedatives used by dentists are absolutely safe when used at appropriate levels. Your dentist will take precautions to minimize any potential side effects and discomfort.
Your dentist will first assess if you are an eligible candidate for sedation dentistry. You’ll want to share your medical history with your dentist to see if any medications you take or medical conditions you have may potentially interfere with a given type of sedative. Your dentist will also consider factors like your weight and age.
If your dentist discovers an issue that would complicate the use of sedatives, they may offer alternatives. They could also refer you to an oral surgeon, who will have access to different options.
Dentists trained to use sedation know how to use it safely. They’ll keep track of your vital signs during the procedure and look for any signs of irregularities. They may also use other medications to dispel the effects of sedation should a problem arise.
Dentists licensed to use sedation prepare for all possible outcomes. That said, don’t feel shy about asking questions about their experience so that you feel comfortable with your dentist.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
It’s common for kids to be nervous about seeing a pediatric dentist, especially if it’s their first time. Thankfully, sedation used in small doses can be used for anxious children with no ill side effects. A friendly dentist will recognize a child’s anxiety and may offer different sedative options to make comfortable cleanings and exams easier for everyone involved.
Can Anyone Request Sedation Dentistry?
Yes. Sedation dentistry helps patients with problems other than anxiety, too, ranging from physical comfort to the length of the procedure they intend to undergo. If your dentist doesn’t recommend sedation, you can certainly ask about it. It could very well make your experience all the more enjoyable.
Trust Mountain and Sea Dental
It’s no secret that finding the right family dentist can be a bit of a chore, but we hope this quick list of tips helps make it a little easier. By considering these factors into your decision, you ensure that your family receives the dental care they deserve.
Mountain and Sea Dental takes a holistic approach to dentistry for the whole family. We recognize that every system in your body is connected. We aim to offer outstanding whole-person oral care that takes your body and health into consideration.
We listen to your health goals and work with you to chart a holistic treatment that will take into account nutrition and overall dental health.
Please don’t settle for less than quality care. You and your family are worth it — contact us today to book an appointment.