sedation dentistry

Occasionally a patient may become anxious and cannot relax during an office visit. As many as 30% of adults in America are afraid of needles. Sedation dentistry offers these dental patients a safe and effective alternative through sedation dentistry.

There are three forms of conscious sedation that allow a patient to relax and/or become sleepy. Forms of conscious sedation may involve nitrous oxide analgesia, taking an oral medication or receiving medication intravenously.

One of the benefits of sedation dentistry is that it eliminates movement during a periodontal or dental implant procedure. Sedation dentistry relaxes the patient and allows those who might avoid a dental visit a safe and anxiety-free alternative. If you are hesitant about scheduling your next visit, consider sedation dentistry. Ask us for more information, and we will be sure to put your mind at ease.

Patients who are more anxious may need an oral medication that is stronger than nitrous oxide. With oral sedation, the patient may be sleepy but can be aroused and will respond to simple commands. Minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur with some medications. Before a visit in which a patient is to receive oral sedation, he/she will receive instructions about eating and drinking, what to expect and what to watch for after treatment. You will need assistance to get home after sedation.

Injection or intravenous (into a vein) methods require more experience to be administered and monitored properly. Injections and intravenous medications should be used only by dentists with extensive training in these techniques.

General anesthesia puts a patient into a deep sleep. He or she is unable to feel pain or to move around. General anesthesia may be recommended if the patient:

• Can't relax or calm down enough for treatment to be performed safely, even with conscious sedation and other behavior management techniques
• Needs oral surgery or other dental treatment that would be difficult for the patient to tolerate while awake
• Needs a lot of dental work that can best be done in one long appointment rather than many shorter visits
• Has a medical, physical or emotional disability that limits his or her ability to understand directions and be treated safely as an outpatient

Some general dentists have received training and a certification in general anesthesia, while others contract with an anesthesiologist. These professionals are trained to deliver the medications and monitor patients during the procedure and handle any complications that may occur.