All about dental sedation

Most times your trip to the dentist is pretty routine and easy. It consists of an examination of your teeth and gums, a cleaning and sometimes x-rays. Though the dentist’s chair can be a bit intimidating, the routine check-ups are the easy part. 

What is often frightening for patients is the bigger procedures. This includes cavities getting filled, crowns, extractions, root canals and other repairs. The biggest issue when it comes to these surgeries is that patients are worried about pain. While you will be administered a numbing agent during the procedure, there can be just a bit of pain afterward that really has people stressed out. 

Another thing that can have people a bit worried when they head to the dentist for a procedure is having to be put under sedation. There are several procedures that would require this and there are actually a few different kinds of sedatives that can be given to you in order to help with dental work. You may think that there are really only one or two options, but that is not the case!

Laughing gas

This is a common type of sedation used when you go to the dentist. It’s likely that you have already heard of it and maybe even experienced it! Laughing gas is actually Nitrous Oxide and it is safe for patients of all ages! The biggest reason you may use laughing gas is in a situation of dental fear. This can help you relax in the chair but isn’t as extreme as some other options. 

With laughing gas, you will still be fully awake and aware during the procedure. It is very quick to wear off, which means that you can drive yourself home after or your children can go back to school. Nitrous oxide also has the least amount of side effects when it comes to sedatives. It can also be used for a variety of procedures from a generic cleaning to a root canal. The amount of sedative given will depend on the severity and invasiveness of the procedure. 

IV sedation

IV sedation is  more intensive than laughing gas because it is administered with a needle into your vein. Again, this is to manage fear, anxiety and pain during your dental procedure. Most people think of IV sedation and think that means you will be fully asleep. While that is sometimes the case, oftentimes IV sedation will keep you awake. It will just help you to be a little less aware of every step. 

If your IV sedation ensures that you are unconscious for procedures like wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery or an emergency dental treatment, your doctor and nurses will carefully monitor your vital signs in order to make sure that everything is going well and you are receiving the right amount of sedation. You will definitely want to get a ride home after this type of sedation dentistry because you will likely be a bit loopy for a while afterward. 

Oral sedation

Oral sedation is what we help dentists obtain their certification for. This is a type of sedation dentistry that allows your dentist to prescribe you anxiolytics before your procedure. This can help you relax and reduce anxiety before your surgery begins. This will make you feel drowsy, which means you will need a ride to and from your dental appointment. 

This is a great option if you have a high level of fear of the dentist because it begins working before you even arrive at your appointment. While it may make you feel drowsy enough to fall asleep, you are easily awoken whenever need be. 

If you have questions about sedation dentistry or are looking to get certified or recertified for minimal sedation, give us a call today! We can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction to help you get your certification!