Learn About Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry ?

Sedation Dentistry is an umbrella term used to describe different uses of sedative medication to help patients stay calm and relaxed during their dental visits. The applications of Sedation Dentistry range from patients with a great fear (or phobia) of the dentist, dental instruments (such as needles), or the dental environment in general, to those that simply have a difficulty getting numb via other uses of anesthesia. Before the use of sedation dentistry, the dentist will look over your medical history, and ensure that all is in order, as we care about your wellbeing, first and foremost. Sedation Dentistry is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, however patients are not always “asleep” during their dental procedures. The term “sleep” in this sense is used more to describe the extremely relaxed sensation that most patients feel during the appointment. As mentioned before, there are different levels of Sedation Dentistry. These range from minimal sedation, all the way to general anesthesia which would render you unconscious. Sedation Dentistry is used to give you, as the patient, the opportunity to safely get any dental treatment you need, while avoiding the fear and pain. At our office we offer two types of sedation, as you’ll see below, but there are more.

What are the different levels of Sedation Dentistry ?

Inhaled minimal sedation - You may have heard of this one more than the others. With this, nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”), is combined with oxygen through a small mask that goes over your nose. The combination of gases helps to make you feel very relaxed, and often times giddy (hence the name). The dentist is able to control the intake of the gas you receive. The effects of the nitrous oxide usually wear off pretty quickly, which is why this particular type of sedation is the only one in which you’d be able to drive yourself home after the dental procedure is done. This type of sedation is the one normally used with children.

Oral sedation - Oral Dental Sedation is basically the use of oral medication, in the form of a pill, to bring about a relaxed and groggy state. The level of sedation can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the dose given. Some individuals can even become groggy enough to fall asleep in the middle of a dental procedure, but can usually be awakened with a light shake. The medication is taken, usually, about an hour before the start of any dental procedure, in order for the medication to take affect. Oral sedation is the type of sedation dentistry that is most commonly associated with sedation dentistry in general. This is one of the two types of sedation that we offer at our Dental Care Burke office.

IV (intravenous) moderate sedation - With this type of sedation dentistry, you receive the sedative medication through a vein, usually in the arm. Because the medication is going directly into your bloodstream, the effects come about much more quickly. You’ll almost immediately feel relaxation and comfort. The doctor, or anesthesiologist can continually control the level of medication you are receiving. This form of sedation is extremely popular with patients with a great fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety. This is the other type of sedation that we offer at our office. We use an experienced anesthesiologist to administer this in order to ensure your safety throughout your dental care.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia - This type uses sedative medications that will make you either fully unconscious (deep sleep), or mostly unconscious. Under this type of sedation dentistry, you cannot be easily awakened, and will have to have the effects of the anesthesia wear off, or undone with other medication.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry, when given by experienced dentists like Dr. Lynch, is completely safe. We will study the medical history you provide, as well as determine, before the use of any sedation, whether you are an appropriate candidate for it. We’ll have to know if there are any other medications you’re taking, to avoid negative reactions from combining medications that aren’t supposed to be combined.

During sedation you will be monitored by the doctor or anesthesiologist. They will check your vital signs during the procedure, ensuring you are safe and relaxed throughout.

Dentistry, in general, has come a long way over the last few decades, and with the advances of technology, and medication, we are very happy to be able to offer Sedation Dentistry to our patients at Dental Care Burke. We look forward to seeing you!

For an appointment, give us a call at (703) 596 1555