Who can benefit from dental sedation?

Feeling nervous is natural. Some people feel anxious when they give speeches, go to a new place or even make a dentist visit. This nervousness, however, causes many people to avoid seeing a dentist altogether. Missing regular cleanings may put your patients at risk of developing major dental problems. 

Dental professionals seek dental sedation certification to give their patients the option of dental sedation. The term “dental sedation” is used to describe the various dental techniques used to help patients remain calm and comfortable before and after dental procedures. This kind of sedation is administered in various ways, including pills, gas and injections. 

Dental sedation vs. anesthesia 

It is important to note that dental sedation does not completely reduce pain, but rather it reduces anxiety and stress. Local and general anesthesia is commonly used to completely block pain. The combination of dental sedation and anesthesia is safe in most patients and situations. Taking a dental sedation certification course helps you determine when it is safe to use these two dental techniques together. 

The different types of dental sedation

Oral sedation 

Oral sedation, also known as minimal sedation, is a kind of dental sedation that uses oral sedatives to reduce fear and anxiety. Dentists prescribe patients a dose of anxiolytic. Depending on the patient, a dentist may ask a patient to take one dose before sleeping and another dose one hour before the dental appointment. Or only take one dose approximately an hour before the appointment. 

Nitrous oxide sedation 

Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, is a kind of sedation that uses a gas to reduce fear and anxiety in patients. It is administered through a small mask that covers the patient’s nose. This kind of sedation keeps patients awake and able to hear and respond to requests made by you. The effects of this kind of sedation wear off after the mask is removed. 

IV sedation 

IV sedation is a kind of sedation administered through a patient’s vein to help reduce their anxiety and fears. It does not put a patient to sleep but causes them to become less aware of their surroundings. Patients under IV sedation are still able to respond and hear requests. 

Who needs dental sedation?

Anxious dental patients

It is no surprise that anxious patients benefit from receiving dental sedation. No matter what form of dental sedation a patient chooses, it can help them reduce their anxiety and fears. In return, dental sedation also helps dentists complete checkups and procedures on time and without any hassles. 

Older adults and people with disabilities

It can be challenging for seniors and people with disabilities to receive the proper dental care they need. Dental sedation benefits older adults and people with disabilities by helping them remain calm and stay seated during treatment. Being able to offer this kind of sedation will help make your practice more inclusive and accessible. 

People who are afraid of needles 

Patients who have a fear of needles might avoid getting necessary dental treatments. Offering dental sedation to these kinds of patients can help them overcome their fear and get dental procedures done. Oral and nitrous oxide sedation are preferable options because needles are not used.

Need to get your dental sedation certification?

We can help! We offer dental sedation certification courses that can be completed online at your convenience - register to one of our classes here.