Everything You Need To Know About Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is used to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Sedation dentistry uses medication to induce a calm, relaxed state. Patients remain awake during dental sedation but may be very drowsy.

If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, talk to your dentist about sedation.

There are different types of dental sedation:

• Oral sedation

Many patients are concerned about being nervous and not being able to sit still while in the dental chair. For these patients, oral sedation is an excellent option. Oral sedation is administered in the form of a pill. Patients will need to arrive at their dentist’s office one hour prior to the procedure. The pill is taken prior to the procedure and is typically taken an hour before the scheduled appointment. Patients should arrange for a friend or family member to drive them to and from surgery, as the medication can have a sedating effect. Patients should also plan for limited activity after the procedure. 

• Intravenous sedation

Intravenous sedation (IV Sedation), also known as ”sleep dentistry,” involves the administration of medication through an intravenous line (IV). The medication most commonly used in intravenous sedation is propofol. During IV sedation, the dentist will monitor your vitals throughout the appointment and adjust the dosage as needed. Many patients will not even remember the procedure afterward, and those who do remember it will seem like it lasted only a few minutes.

• Nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous oxide also called laughing gas, has been used in dentistry for many years. The gas is first inhaled through the nose, and the patient often begins to feel the relaxing effects of the nitrous oxide almost immediately. Nitrous oxide sedation is incredibly safe and has very few side effects. It is safe for children as well and is very effective.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is a safe and effective option for patients of all ages. It offers many benefits, including:

• Elimination of anxiety and discomfort
• Ability to sit still
• Ability to relax
• Reduced gag reflex
• Ability to receive the dental care they need
• Ability to complete multiple procedures during the same appointment

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is beneficial to anyone who is afraid of the dentist. If you are receiving extensive dental work, have difficulty sitting still, or have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation dentistry can help ease your anxiety and make treatment more comfortable.

Sedation Dentistry - Safety

Sedatives are safe and effective when administered by a dentist. Patients undergoing sedation dentistry procedures are monitored closely by trained dental professionals all through the procedure. Sedatives can be safe to use on patients of all ages, as long as the patient is healthy enough to tolerate sedation. 

To learn more about our dental procedures or to schedule your appointment for dental checkups, call Whitlow Dental Care at (559)441-7700.