Many people possess phobia for their dental procedures soo much that they are extremely vulnerable and possess extreme discomfort towards the treatment. Sedation dentistry includes techniques to either calm a patient before and during a dental procedure or to make patients more comfortable during long procedures.
The pharmacological agents (sedatives), depresses the central nervous system, specifically those areas concerned with conscious awareness. Each corresponding to a level of relaxation which ranges from minimal, moderate, to deep sedation.
- Minimal sedation – you are awake but relaxed.
- Moderate sedation / Conscious sedation – you are awake but you speech is slurred, and you may or may not remember much of the procedure.
- Deep sedation – you are asleep and can still breathe on your own but can’t remember anything about the procedure afterwards.
- General anesthesia – you are completely unconscious, your reflexes are absent and you need assistance in breathing.
Who Need To Have Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is suited for people who:
- Phobic to dental procedures
- Resistance to local anesthetic
- People having physical constraints like neck and back problems
- Had a bad experience with dental work in the past
- Have low pain threshold
- Uncontrollable gag reflex
- Small children or adults, who cannot sit still in the dentist chair
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Small mouth that becomes sore during dental work
- General anxiety disorder
What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
Inhaled Sedation
- The most common form of sedation in the dental office used to relax patients during dental procedures is Nitrous Oxide, or “laughing gas.” Also called “inhalation analgesia”.
- It is combined with oxygen, through a mask that’s placed over your nose and you just have to breathe the gas. You’ll be conscious while taking the gas and the dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive. It wears off very quickly once you stop breathing it in.
- The effects are very mild and you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. It is very safe and often local anesthesia can be used in combination with nitrous oxide
Oral sedation (Conscious Sedation)
- It provides minimal to moderate sedation and is most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. It involves taking a prescribed dose of sedative before the procedure. You would be taking the pill as directed by your dentist or doctor.
- You will feel the effects after about 30 to 60 minutes and your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate will be constantly monitored by the clinician.
- Some people can actually fall asleep during the procedure, though, can be awakened with a gentle shake. Most patients remember either very little or nothing at all of the appointment after it’s happened.
- Often recommended for people who have higher levels of anxiety, benefit from this type of dentistry. The sedative will leave you feeling sleepy, but by the next day all the effects will have worn off. You’ll need a ride home accompanying a friend / family from the clinic.
IV Sedation (Conscious Sedation)
- Intravenous or ‘IV’ sedation is given by injection, through a vein either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and how long it will take to complete.
- IV sedation is used for patients who have more severe dental anxiety, special needs, or other health issues. You become drowsy and are not aware of having any treatment, but you are still able to co-operate with the dentist.
- The effects take some time to wear off and your dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. You need to have someone bring them to and from their appointment and stay with them for the remainder of the day won’t be able to drink alcohol, drive or work during this time.
General Anesthesia
- It is not common in sedation dentistry. Only patients who needs to undergo major surgical procedures, or who are resistant to other types of sedation, will need general anesthesia.
- With general anesthesia, you’re totally unconscious and cannot be easily awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication. This kind of sedation needs to happen in a hospital or a specialized clinic with an anesthesiologist administering the sedative and monitoring your vital signs.
Benefits Offered From Sedation Dentistry
- Patient relaxation
- Increased comfort
- Control of gag reflex
- No sense of time while under sedation
- Movement control
- Patient co-operation
- No sense of smell or sound
- Time saving – Fewer appointments needed
What are The Side Effects of Conscious Sedation?
- Sedation may slow your breathing and the you will be given oxygen for that.
- Your blood pressure may be affected and you may get IV fluids to stabilize your blood pressure.
- Because sedation effects may linger, you may have a headache, nausea, and feel sleepy for several hours.
Special Instructions after Sedation
- For your safety, a responsible adult must escort you home. It is recommended that you have someone with you for the remainder of the day until you are fully alert.
- You will not be allowed to take a bus or taxicab without a responsible adult to ride with you.
- Do not drive, drink alcohol, use machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours after receiving sedation.
- Don’t perform any strenuous activities.
- Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately only light meals.
- Take any medications as directed by the clinician.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Allergic to Sedatives (benzodiazepines)
- Alcohol intoxicated
- Neurological disorders
- Patient taking CNS depressants
FAQs About Sedation Dentistry
Who is appropriate for sedation?
Sedation dentistry is recommended for patients who have dental anxiety or fear or are undergoing a more extensive or invasive procedure. Patients of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, even children.
How safe is sedation?
Until and unless administered by experienced professional, there is always some risk associated with sedation, but when it’s, like our Dr Sachdeva’s Facial Aesthetic Team, it is extremely safe.
What does sedation feel like?
Actually, you will remain conscious during conscious sedation. You will also be able to understand and respond to requests. However, you may not remember much about the procedure.
What are the drugs that are used?
Benzodiazepine, usually midazolam, is used. A typical IV session takes up to 1 1/2 hours.
Is it necessary to be numbed with local anaesthetic inspite of being sedated?
In reality, the drugs which are usually used for IV sedation are not painkillers. While they relax you, you will still need to be numbed.
What if a person is needle phobic too ?
If you are needle phobic there may be other sedation options, like sublingual (under the tongue) drugs, or inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide inhalation). But all of this will depend on the medical history of the patient and suitability to use these sedation methods.
How is IV sedation given?
IV drug is administered directly into a vein with a thin needle either the arm or the back of your hand.
Throughout the procedure, your pulse and oxygen levels are measured using a pulse oximeter.
How much is the cost for undergoing sedation dentistry?
The cost of sedation depends on the method used for your treatment whichever suits you best and medically apt for you.
The team at Dr Sachdeva’s Dental Institute offers a variety of anesthesia and sedation services for patients undergoing dental treatments.
