Saturday 25 February 2012

Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist's Chair?


Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist's office? You're not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.
For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it's used depends on the severity of the fear.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.

The levels of sedation used include:
·      Minimal sedation -- you are awake but relaxed.
·      Moderate sedation (formerly called "conscious sedation") -- You may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
·      Deep sedation -- you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
·      General anesthesia -- you are completely unconscious.

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:

·      Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

·      Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it's usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.

·      IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.

·      Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious -- deeply asleep -- during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.

Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you'll also typically need a local anesthetic -- numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth -- to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.


Above article from: WebMd.com



Springhill Dental, PLLC
3401 Springhill Drive, Suite 285
North Little Rock, AR 72117
Telephone: (501) 955-0155

16 comments:

  1. I was so scared to get my first sedation dentistry work done. I have always disliked needs, and they couldn't get a vein for the IV so they kept pricking me. In the end it wasn't as bad an experience as I had imagined though.

    Alena | http://www.scottwgrantdmd.com/oral-sedation-dentistry

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The procedure involves taking an oral sedative prior to your visit. Patients who feel stressed about dental work, as well as those who need multiple procedures performed in one visit, benefit from conscious sedation. Our dentist offer sedation dentistry for patients to relieve them from pain, fear & anxiety.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Implant Perio Centre in North Vancouver offers sedation dentistry for the patients to get relieve from pain and anxiety. It helps multiple procedures performed in one visit.
    Sedation Dentistry Vancouver

    ReplyDelete
  5. The most reliable Sedation Dentistry Yuma Az will perform dental work which will be done pain free with oral sedation, IV sedation, and Nitrous Oxide sedation.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dental Sedation is a technique that can be used to reduce pain or anxiety to allow patients to receive the dental treatment they need.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sedation dentistry involves the use of various forms of sedatives, which can be administered via gases, oral medications, or intravenously (IV). The purpose and function of the sedative is to relax the patient prior to, during and immediately after a dental procedure.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looking for Dentist in Mesa,AZ? Click to learn why we are best dental implant provider. Dental implants are a beautiful, permanent solution to missing teeth! Call us today! We serve patients all over in Mesa.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know that many are afraid of the dentists. I am too. When I was a child I rarely go to dentist. It should be that way. We need dental care to avoid damage of our teeth.
    Sedation Dentist Gilbert

    ReplyDelete
  10. Once tooth ache attacks, there's only one person we call for. They are our gentle dentists.
    Utah Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  11. When I went to the dentist a while back for my wisdom teeth, they did the deep sedation on me. I don't remember a thing, well I remember closing my eyes, waking up, and the surgery was done. I'm sure that if they did any other method you listed here would of been fine. Not everyone can be put under. http://www.fortmcmurraysmiles.com/services/sedation/

    ReplyDelete
  12. awesome article which is easy to read and understand.but how it will be conscious sedation? that will be painless treatments..any different medicines are used here?
    Best Dental Clinic in Ashok Nagar

    ReplyDelete
  13. There is always a risk in getting anesthesia. It is usually safe, though, when given by experienced dentists. However, certain people, such as those who are obese or who have obstructive sleep apnea, should talk to their doctor before having sedation. That's because they are more likely to develop complications from the anesthesia. from http://www.westairdriedental.com/sedation-for-dentistry/ sedation for dentistry.

    ReplyDelete
  14. When a child needs to see a dentist,that is why Sydney pros dental there are instances where a dentist applies sleep dentistry. It is needed to have a safe surgery or something.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice info keep going..The purpose of sedation is to relax you just enough to combat the fear and anxiety that holds you back, without any ill feeling or uncomfortable side effects as a result.conscious sedation in dentistry

    ReplyDelete
  16. You will find a holistic treatment concept, which is divided into two practices and is systematically combined in dental treatment. Zahnarzt Wilmersdorf

    ReplyDelete