Sedation dentistry incorporates the drug prior to or after the dental treatment. It uses medications that help patients to relax who have anxiety and fear dental treatment. Amongst the different types, general anesthesia is the only form that makes the patient entirely unconscious throughout the treatment. However, other types of anesthesia induce a relaxed state without making the patient entirely out of senses. Some of the common types of sedatives include nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous sedatives.
How does sedation dentistry work?
The process of sedation is correlated with the type of sedation. For an oral sedative, your doctor may prescribe you a drug along with its instructions on usage. Following the instructions religiously will help minimize the levels while giving you a relaxing experience while sitting on the dentist’s chair.
As soon as the medication kicks in, patients begin to feel calm and drowsy. No prior preparation is required for nitrous oxide. Your dental surgeon manages it before, during, or after the treatment. Your surgeon may also advise you to avoid a few of your medications for the preceding day of your dental appointment as they may disrupt the effect of sedation medication.
The need for sedation dentistry
Dental sedatives enable many patients to easily undergo dental treatments such as root canals, dental implants, and tooth extractions. Following are the top categories of patients that fit well for a sedation dental procedure:
- Highly sensitive oral tissues
- Phobia for dental procedures
- Resistance to local anesthetic
- Poor experience in the past dental treatments
- General anxiety disorder
- An oral cavity that gets sore during the dental treatment
What are the types of sedatives used during dental surgery?
Following are some of the commonly used sedatives during dental surgery:
Inhaled minimal sedation
Inhaled sedation is the method of conscious sedation where you need to wear a mask that allows breathing in a sedating gas. Nitrous oxide, the “laughing gas” mixed with oxygen, is placed over your nose through an apparatus. Due to its itchy nature, it is the most interesting sedation that helps you calm your anxiety levels during dental treatment. The effect of gas only remains until you breathe it in. However, the influence fades away as soon as you stop inhaling the gas.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation can be easily done with the help of a pill that needs to be taken a night before the dental treatment. Depending on the requirement, the sedation can range from a minimal to moderate level. A heavy dose can make the patient fall asleep, while a small quantity will only make the patient drowsy during the treatment.
IV moderate sedation
Depending on the type of IV moderate sedatives, it can make the patient unconscious either completely or partially during the procedure.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia
General sedation is the type of sedation that makes the patient entirely unconscious or asleep during the surgery. Patients stay asleep till the effects of anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.
About Premier Oral Surgery
At Premier Oral Surgery, we are determined to offer the most advanced and comprehensive oral care. We hold immense experience in providing various oral and maxillofacial surgeries and treatments, such as dental implants, IV sedation, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafts. In addition, our staff includes CPR-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants. For more queries, you can leave us a message or call us at 203-939-9390. You can also get in touch by email at info@premieroralsurgeryct.com.
