Does the mere notion of getting your teeth cleaned make you tense throughout? Which would you prefer—going through the pain of a toothache or seeing a dentist? You’re not by yourself. Many people would rather not receive any treatment at all because they are so anxious about seeing the dentist.

Sedation dentistry may help patients who dread going to the dentist get over their fears. Anything from minor dental cleanings to more involved medical treatments can be done under sedation. The degree of fear determines how it is used.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients feel more relaxed during dental procedures. While it’s often called ‘sleep dentistry,’ this term can be misleading, as most patients remain awake, except in cases where general anesthesia is used.

The following sedative stages include:

Minimal sedation – You are awake yet at ease with minimal sedation.
Moderate sedation – you could speak slurred sentences and have trouble recalling much of the process.
Deep sedation – you are barely conscious and have the potential to wake up.
General anesthesia – Under general anesthesia, you are totally unaware.

Which Sedations Are Used In Dental Practices?

In dentistry, the following forms of sedation are involved:

Inhaled minimal sedation: Nitrous oxide, also called ‘laughing gas,’ is inhaled together with oxygen via a mask that is put over your nose. You can unwind thanks to the gas. Your dentist may adjust the quantity of sedation you get; the gas usually wears off quickly. After the surgery, you might be able to drive yourself home only with this type of sedation.
Oral sedation: Oral sedation can be mild to moderate, depending on the entire dosage administered. You take a tablet for mild sedation. The medication, generally called Halcion and belonging to the same family as Valium, is normally administered around one hour before the surgery. You will feel sleepy from the pill but won’t fall asleep.

A higher dosage could be used to achieve mild sedation. This kind of anesthetic is most frequently connected to sedation dentistry. Some patients experience moderate oral sedation to the point that they actually nod off during the process. However, you may typically shake them gently to rouse them up.

IV moderate sedation: Because the sedative dosage is injected intravenously, it takes effect more quickly. The dentist can continuously modify the degree of anesthesia with this technique.
General anesthesia and heavy sedation: During the procedure, you will be given drugs that will cause you to fall asleep profoundly or become almost unconscious. You will not be able to readily wake up from general anesthesia until the effects wear off or may be reversed with medicine.

No matter what kind of sedation you get, you’ll usually also require a local anesthetic, or numbing drug, in the location where the dentist is working in your mouth to ease any pain that may arise from the treatment.

Who Is Eligible for Dental Sedation?

People who truly have anxiety or worry that keeps them from seeing the dentist are most suited for sedation.

Additionally, sedation dentistry could be helpful for those who:

having highly sensitive teeth
a strong gag reflex, a low pain tolerance
difficulty staying still in the dentist’s chair
and a high need for dental work

Children who refuse to participate during their visit to the dentist or who are afraid of the dentist may occasionally be given sedation. Children often respond well to nitrous oxide, and almost any dentist may give it.

Pediatric dentists are trained in oral sedation for children. However, oral sedation can be safe when administered at the lowest dosage appropriate for the child’s age and weight.

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

While anesthesia generally carries some risk, it is usually safe when administered by qualified dentists. However, individuals who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea should consult their doctor before undergoing sedation, as they are at a higher risk of complications from anesthesia.

Ensuring your dentist is properly trained and qualified to administer the type of sedation you receive is essential. To be a well-informed patient, make sure the following precautions are taken:

Before the procedure, your dentist should review your medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for sedation. They should also inquire about any medications you’re currently taking.
Ask your dentist about the appropriate sedative dosage based on your age and health, and confirm that the dosage aligns with FDA recommendations.
It’s essential to ask about your dentist’s experience with sedation, including their level of training and how many sedation procedures they’ve performed. More experience generally leads to better outcomes.
You should be provided with a form that outlines the potential risks of the procedure. Review it thoroughly with your dentist, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.
During the procedure, your dentist should monitor your vital signs in accordance with American Dental Association guidelines. Additionally, they should have readily available oxygen, artificial ventilation, and medications to reverse sedation effects if needed.

So, sedation dentistry offers a valuable solution for individuals who have anxiety or discomfort with the dentist, making dental care more accessible and stress-free. With various levels of sedation available, patients can receive anything from routine cleanings to complex procedures with ease and maintain their oral health without fear or hesitation.