Five facts about dental sedation

Like any other medical professionals, dentists need to get their dental sedation certification done every certain amount of years. This is done to make sure dentists are updated with the latest research and techniques in dental sedation. Here are five facts about dental sedation. 

The fathers of dental sedation are Dr. Wells and Dr. Norton. 

These two dental professionals are considered the fathers of dental sedation to introduce nitrous oxide. In 1844, Dr. Wells first demonstrated to a group of staff at the Massachusetts General Hospital a tooth extraction using nitrous oxide to sedate a patient. 

In 1846, Dr. Norton did a demonstration in that same location during a tooth extraction. This action led to other practitioners improving and introducing the dental sedation we know today. 

There are three types of dental sedation. 

Dental sedation is the use of medication to help a patient through a dental procedure. There are three main kinds of dental sedation methods: minimal sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation. Which one is used depends on the dental procedure and comfort of the patient. 

Minimal sedation, also known as oral sedation, uses an oral sedative. This sedative is given to a patient to feel relaxed. This kind of dental sedation makes the patient feel drowsy but still able to respond to commands. 

Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that relieves a patient's anxiety and pain during dental treatment. Patients under this kind of dental sedation will not fall asleep but feel general numbness and lightheadedness.

IV sedation administers an anti-anxiety drug through a patient's blood. This kind of sedation does not put a patient fully to sleep. Instead, it helps patients feel relaxed but able to respond to a dentist's questions.

The most common kind of dental sedation is nitrous oxide. 

Although there are many dental sedation forms, the most commonly used in dentists' offices is nitrous oxide. Many professionals use it because of how quickly it works and wears off. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off by breathing into a mask of pure oxygen. To administer other kinds of dental sedation, dentists need a specific dental sedation certification. 

Dental sedation helps combat dental fear. 

The fear of dentists is more common than people think. It is estimated that 36 percent of the population suffers from dental anxiety and fear. This fear stops many people from visiting dentists for regular cleaning and treatments. Avoiding the dentist can lead to developing oral problems - like gum disease, tooth decay, cavities and stains. The good news is that dental sedation is one way to help anxious patients get the treatment they need. 

Dental sedation is safe for the majority of patients. 

As a dentist, you want all your patients to feel comfortable. One great way to make appointments more comfortable for anxious patients is with dental sedation. It is safe for adults, seniors and people with special needs. However, not everyone qualifies for dental sedation. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people allergic to the medication, those with respiratory diseases or have sleep apnea. 

Get your dental sedation certification with us! 

At Midwest Sedation Consultants, we offer dental sedation education certification courses online that are approved by the individual state Boards of Dentistry. Courses are available in eight states. Enroll now!