Sedation Dentistry

When it comes to making their patients feel comfortable during needed dental procedures, your dentist has a wide variety of methods at their disposal. Whether it be oral sedation, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia, when you visit for a treatment or procedure, you can rest assured that it will take place in a relaxed setting and that you will be free from pain.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry relies upon medications to ensure that patients are able to relax and be free of pain while receiving dental care. The levels of sedation are:

  • Minimal sedation: Patient is awake but relaxed.

  • Moderate sedation: Patient is conscious but may not remember much of their procedure.

  • Deep sedation: On the edge of consciousness but can be woken up.

  • General anesthesia: Patient is unconscious throughout their procedure.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Now let’s look at the various types of dental sedation:

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a safe and odorless gas that is commonly used in dental settings. It is administered using a mask placed over the patient’s face, and its effects can be felt within seconds, lasting for a minute or two.

Nitrous oxide is not used to put you to sleep. Instead, it relaxes you and eases your anxiety while you are receiving dental care. Laughing gas is commonly used in conjunction with other types of sedation, such as before the administering of an injection.

Oral Sedation

This type of dental sedation is available as a liquid or pill that is taken orally. It can be used with other types of sedation, such as nitrous oxide. You would remain awake after receiving oral sedation, but you would be free from anxiety.

IV Sedation

When receiving IV sedation, you are having an anti-anxiety medication directly injected into a vein. You will need some recovery time after receiving IV sedation before leaving the office.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is a type of sedation which puts the patient asleep for the duration of their dental procedure. It involves the injection of drugs directly into a vein. General anesthesia is often used for the extraction of wisdom teeth.

Can any dentist provide sedation?

Most dentists have the necessary qualifications to administer nitrous oxide, while other types require extra training or equipment, as well as emergency supplies.

For More Information

Would you like to receive more information about how sedation dentistry is used? If so, feel free to contact our dental office to request additional information about sedation dentistry.

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