Sedation Dentistry - Everything You Need To Know!

Most people are nervous about visiting the dentist. Whether it’s the sound of the tools or the fear of pain, many people have a lot to fear about the dentist. Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative medications to calm a patient during a dental appointment. For patients who are too anxious to receive treatment while awake, the dentist can use medication to help the patient relax during dental treatments.

Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, is the practice of using medication to help patients relax during dental treatments. Patients may be given one or more different types of sedatives depending on their level of anxiety or discomfort. The type of sedative used depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s medical history and the type of procedure being performed.

Types of Sedation

There are three main types of sedation commonly administered to patients:

• Oral sedation – This form of sedation is given as a pill that is taken one hour prior to the dental procedure to induce drowsiness. Patients who opt to undergo oral sedation will need to have someone drive them to and from their appointment for safety purposes, as they will not have the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely after taking the medication.
• Nitrous oxide sedation – Also known as “laughing gas” or “sweet air,” nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen to make the patient feel more at ease during their treatment. Once the gas is inhaled, patients will feel light-headed and relaxed. During this time, patients can still respond to their dentist’s questions and commands but will not be conscious enough to feel any pain. Typically, the gas will wear off within a few minutes of the completion of the dental procedure.
• Intravenous sedation – Unlike other forms of sedation, IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line. This type of sedation takes effect within seconds, making the patient completely unconscious for the duration of the dental procedure until they are fully alert when the effects of the IV medication have worn off.

All three forms of sedation are great options for patients who experience severe anxiety when it comes to receiving dental care. To find out more about sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Patients of any age can enjoy the benefits of sedation dentistry. However, patients with extreme dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex may especially benefit from sedation dentistry.

Sedation can also help patients who suffer from conditions such as Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and Fibromyalgia. Patients with TMD often experience severe pain and discomfort in the jaw joint area. This can be exacerbated by clenching one’s teeth and grinding the enamel away. For these patients, sedation dentistry can help ease their discomfort and pain during dental procedures.

Patients who are dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome may also find relief through sedation dentistry. This is because many dental procedures require the patient to remain still for long periods of time in order to effectively complete the procedure. For those who are suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, this can exacerbate their symptoms. With sedation dentistry, however, the patient can remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. This allows them to retain their focus and remain attentive to the dentists’ instructions.

If you need to schedule an appointment with us, please call 541.928.6622 or visit us at 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite A, Albany, OR 97322. Please contact us at office@albanydentalhealth.com if you require any additional information.