What does sedation mean in dentistry?

Sedation in dentistry is a perfect option for those afraid or anxious about dental treatment and going to the dentist. A sedative is a medication used to calm the patient and help them relax during the appointment. Sedation dentistry is often referred to as “sedation”. One of the benefits of sedation is that patients often feel that the procedure only takes a few minutes when it could be 1-2 hours.

4 types of sedatives are used in dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide Sedative – is an inhaled sedative. A mild sedative often used for children, also known as “laughing gas”. A mixture for inhaling the patient in a conscious state, nitrous oxide, and oxygen are inhaled through a nose piece in and out of the nose. The patient is kept awake during the procedure and maintains sufficient mental alertness to answer the questions and instructions of the dental team. The dentist controls the level of sedation given to the patient and wears off quickly once it wears off. After the operation is finished and the nitrous oxide sedation wears off, the patient should return to normal. With this type of sedation, patients can drive afterward.

Oral sedation – taken orally in pill or liquid form and prescribed in your dental office before treatment. It is usually taken 1 hour before your appointment and can provide a moderate level of sedation. Sedation may make you feel drowsy, and some patients become confused and fall asleep.

Intravenous sedation (intravenous sedation) – also known as conscious sedation. Intravenous sedation works quickly because it is administered intravenously through a vein, and the dentist can continuously adjust the level of sedation to a comfortable level. Even if the patient is still conscious, this makes them feel less conscious. After that, the patient should arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home as the person should rest for the rest of the day.

General anesthesia is a deep unconscious sedative. The patient is completely asleep and cannot be awakened until the anesthetic wears off or is reversed with medication. A breathing tube is placed in the patient’s throat and connected to the breathing apparatus until the end of the operation.

Not all sedatives are safe for everyone. You and your dentist need to understand the associated benefits and risks to choose the best treatment option for you. If you have any questions about dental treatment or the level of sedation recommended for you, talk to your dentist before treatment.

People with significant levels of dental anxiety often avoid going to the dentist—so in the meantime, dental problems are worse when they could easily be fixed with a simple six-month cleaning and dental checkup. The reasons vary from person to person, but the perception of pain, a previous traumatic experience, or the presence of needles and drills are some of the most frequently cited reasons. This anxiety can develop into a profound phobia that prevents them from seeking dental care until an emergency leaves them with no choice.

Fortunately, drug treatments like IV (intravenous) sedation provide a completely painless way for patients to undergo dental treatments of any kind, even regular cleanings—all you have to do is ask. You will feel relaxed or drowsy during the procedure, allowing your dentist to continue his work without interruption.

Next, we’re going to talk about the key differences between IV sedation dentistry and general anesthesia, and where you can go to start a pleasant dental experience for a change.

How does IV sedation dentistry work?

If you request IV sedation for your dental visit, the dentist or dental assistant will administer a mild sedative through an IV in your arm. An anesthesiologist is not needed because the sedative is much milder than general anesthesia.

The level of sedation you receive may be adjusted between three levels: minimal, moderate, or deep. If you choose minimal sedation, you will be sedated, but you will remain awake and able to respond to your dentist’s instructions. With moderate sedation, you will feel sleepy during the treatment.

If you choose deep relaxation, you will fall into a more natural but lighter sleep. You also probably won’t remember what happened during the procedure. After the treatment, the dentist in Mississauga will wake you up.

How is general anesthesia different from other sedation?

General anesthesia is a stronger type of sedation that generally involves a combination of intravenous medication and inhaled gas. An anesthesiologist or dentist who is licensed in anesthesia will administer medication designed to induce deep sleep.

General anesthesia requires an anesthesiologist to carefully monitor your vital functions throughout the procedure.

Unlike IV sedation, general anesthesia stresses both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems—making the treatment unsuitable for many people. You may be more prone to side effects from general anesthesia if you have certain pre-existing conditions, such as:

• convulsions
• stroke
• obesity
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• A history of excessive alcohol consumption