During dental procedures, sedation dentistry makes you feel more at ease, relaxed, and calm. Because of the moderate level of sedation, you feel extremely relaxed even though you are still technically awake. Because it induces a brief amnesia (forgetfulness) in which you become insensitive to pain without losing consciousness, it is sometimes referred to as conscious sedation dentistry or “twilight sleep.”
Which sedatives are employed in dentistry?
Depending on your particular needs, there are different levels of sedation dentistry. Your degree of anxiety, the duration of the procedure, your medical history, and your personal preferences are all factors. Nitrous oxide, intravenous (IV) sedation, and oral conscious sedation are the three most popular forms of sedation dentistry.
Oxygen nitrate
A common term for nitrous oxide is “laughing gas.” Within three to five minutes of inhaling nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, the calming effects start to take effect. Throughout your procedure, your dentist will regulate the amount of sedation you receive and modify dosages as necessary. After your procedure, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to help you get rid of the nitrous oxide. After the procedure, you will be able to drive yourself home because the laughing gas leaves your system so quickly.
Conscious sedation by mouth
About an hour prior to the start of your procedure, your dentist administers sedative medication (typically in pill form) as part of oral conscious sedation. Triazolam (Halcion®), a member of the diazepam (Valium®) family, is used by the majority of dentists. However, your dentist may also prescribe other drugs, such as lorazepam and zaleplon. In pediatric dentistry, dentists frequently employed liquid sedation, such as midazolam oral syrup.
When you take oral sedation, you become very drowsy and may even nod off. However, you will still be able to speak with your dentist if needed, and a gentle prod will wake you up. You will require a friend or family member to drive you home following your procedure because oral sedation temporarily impairs your memory and motor skills.
Intravenous sedation (IV)
The deepest level of conscious sedation that can be administered in a dental office is IV sedation dentistry. Through an IV line, your doctor gives you sedative drugs straight into your bloodstream. Your dentist keeps an eye on your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout the procedure. If necessary, they can use reversal medications and change your dosage at any time. When receiving IV sedation dentistry, the majority of patients fall asleep and wake up with little to no memory of their procedure. Those who are having extensive dental procedures or who have severe dental anxiety should choose this option.
Before sedation dentistry, what takes place?
During your first appointment, you will discuss sedation options with your dentist. In addition to asking about any medications or supplements you are taking, they will go over your medical history. Following the collection of all relevant data, they will recommend a sedative based on your individual requirements.
It is generally advised that you refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least six hours prior to your dental appointment. You should take all of your regular medications as prescribed, unless your dentist instructs you otherwise.
However, if you take any blood thinners, like warfarin, make sure to let your dentist know. For a few days before your procedure, they might ask you to stop taking these medications.
How does sedation dentistry work?
Before starting your procedure, your dentist gives you sedatives. Your dentist will still administer a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums, but this is typically done after the sedatives have made you feel at ease.
After sedation dentistry, what happens?
After your appointment, you will need a reliable friend or relative to drive you home unless you decide to use nitrous oxide as your sedative. As soon as the sedative wears off, you should head straight home and relax.
What benefits does sedation dentistry offer?
By reducing phobias and anxieties, sedation dentistry keeps you relaxed and at ease throughout dental procedures. Sedation often allows your dentist to work more quickly, which can lead to fewer visits. Lastly, a lot of people are so terrified of the dentist that they completely avoid going. You can get the care you need and deserve by feeling more at ease thanks to sedation dentistry.
Time spent recovering
Recuperation periods differ. The kind of sedation you select and how your body reacts to the drugs will determine this. After receiving nitrous oxide, most patients recover in 15 to 30 minutes and are able to drive themselves home. For those who opt for IV or oral conscious sedation, a full recovery usually takes around 24 hours.