What is Sedation Dentistry, and How Can It Benefit You?

Does the mere thought of a dental visit make your heart race?

You’re not alone.

Many people experience intense dental anxiety, leading them to avoid necessary treatments.

Avoiding dental appointments can lead to dental problems becoming severe.

What started as a dull toothache could turn into a full-fledged infection of the jaw and mouth if you leave it untreated.

Sedation dentistry offers a way to overcome these fears, allowing you to receive the care you need without stress.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering sedatives to you during a dental procedure.

Normally, dental surgical procedures are done while the patient is fully awake.

However, some patients are fearful of undergoing treatment at the dental office.

Such patients can request to undergo sedation before a dental procedure.

Sedation dentistry can help you relax during treatment and help ease anxiety.

It creates a short period of amnesia where you become insensitive to pain without being unconscious.

Dentists usually require some additional qualifications and training to administer sedatives to a patient.

Types of sedation dentistry:

 Based on your needs, there are various levels and types of sedation:

• Nitrous oxide: This is the most common type of sedative used in the dental office. Your dentist will administer nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, and you will feel calm within three to five minutes. After the procedure, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide from your system. This is one of the safest and most common types of sedation used in dentistry. 
• Oral sedation: Depending on the dosage, you’ll experience minimal to moderate sedation. For minimal sedation, a pill like Halcion is taken an hour before the procedure, making you drowsy but conscious. Moderate sedation, often used in sedation dentistry, can make you groggy or even sleep, but you can be easily awakened.
• IV Sedation: A sedative is administered intravenously, allowing for quicker onset and precise dosage adjustments. This type of sedation is stronger than oral or gaseous sedation and lasts longer. 

How does sedation dentistry benefit you?

Sedation dentistry is most beneficial for those who experience anxiety or fear of going to the dentist.

Many people tend to avoid going to the dentist out of fear, which in turn aggravates dental problems.

Sedation dentistry allows the patient to undergo the treatment without pain and anxiety.

It is also beneficial for those who:

• Have an overly sensitive gag reflex
• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Have a low pain threshold
• Need to undergo a large amount of dental procedures

Sedation dentistry can also be used on children who are terrified of going to the dentist. It can help them relax and make them more cooperative.

Things to keep in mind before undergoing sedation dentistry

Anesthesia is usually safe when administered by expert and experienced medical professionals.

However, if you suffer from diseases like obesity or obstructive sleep apnea, you might run the risk of developing complications from anesthesia.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before undergoing sedation dentistry:

• Before undergoing sedation, tell your dentist everything about your medical history and the medications you take. This will help your dentist determine if you are an appropriate candidate for sedation dentistry.
• You should discuss with your dentist what does of sedation is appropriate for you, and if it is approved by the FDA. Also, ask your dentist if they have the qualifications and training to administer sedation.
• Ask your dentist for a detailed list of possible risks from the procedure and go through it carefully. 
• Your dentist should monitor all vital signs during sedation. They should also have drugs that reverse the effects of anesthetics and artificial ventilation in the dental office in case of an emergency.  

Frequently asked questions

What should I expect after sedation dentistry?

 You may feel drowsy or groggy for a few hours after the procedure. It’s crucial to have someone drive you home and stay with you until the effects wear off.

Is general anesthesia used in the dental office?

Yes, but only in some cases, when gaseous or oral sedation might not be enough.

Key takeaways

Dentists who practice sedation dentistry at a dental clinic in Calgary use mild anesthesia to put you at ease before performing a procedure on you.

This is usually helpful for those who experience intense dental anxiety or a fear of undergoing dental treatments.

Your dentist should have additional training and qualifications to administer anesthesia.

You can request to have mild to moderate levels of anesthesia.

Sometimes if you are undergoing a large amount of dental work, you might also request general anesthesia.

Sedation dentistry is usually safe for most people.

However, you should always explain in detail everything about any previous illnesses to determine if you are the right candidate for sedation.