Sedation Treatment
Sedation dentistry is a dental procedure in which a dentist administers either nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation or intravenous (IV) sedation to a patient to make him/her feel comfortable, relaxed and calm the nerves. It helps people who have dental anxiety or fear for dental treatment. In order to perform sedation dentistry treatment, the dentist needs to attain a special certification to operate on patients.
Who requires/needs Sedation dentistry?
Patients across all age groups can take the benefit from sedation dentistry, including kids.
Following are the main reasons for which sedation dentistry may be indicated for a patient:
- Dental Anxiety or Fear of Dental Treatment.
- Patients with sensitive gag reflex.
- People with fear of needles (Aichmophobia).
- Patients suffering from high teeth sensitivity.
- A patient who feels claustrophobic in a dental chair.
- Lower sensitivity during administration of local anesthesia.
- Someone who finds it difficult controlling movements.
- Special Needs Patients (ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Bipolar , Down’s syndrome)
Types of Sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry comes in different levels, depending on your individual requirements. The level of anxiety, the length of the surgery, your medical history, and your personal preferences are all important variables. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation are the three most commonly used sedation dentistry techniques in a dental office setting.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is frequently referred to as “laughing gas.” The relaxing benefits of nitrous oxide start to take effect three to five minutes after you breathe it through a mask or nosepiece. During your procedure, the dentist controls the level of sedation you get and changes it when required. After the procedure, the dentist will administer pure oxygen to help your body rid itself of the residual nitrous oxide gases.
Oral conscious sedation
Your dentist administers sedative medication (often in pill form for adults, and syrup form for kids- called a “cocktail” and it may comprise of 1 or more medications) few minutes to an hour before the beginning of your procedure if you choose oral conscious sedation. One becomes quite sleepy after using oral sedatives, and you may even nod off. However, you will still be able to speak with your dentist if necessary, and you will be gently roused to consciousness, by commands and stimulation. Your dentist keeps an eye on your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate while performing the procedure. After your surgery, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home because oral sedation temporarily impairs your memory and motor skills.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
The most intense conscious sedation technique offered in a dental office environment is IV sedation. Through an IV line, your doctor or other healthcare professional, generally an Anesthesiologist, administers sedative drugs directly into your bloodstream. Your dentist keeps an eye on your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate while performing the procedure. At any time, they can change your dosage and, if necessary, switch to reversal medicine. When receiving IV sedation dentistry, most patients nod off and wake up with little to no recall of their procedure. The most suitable candidates for this alternative are those who are going through complex procedures or who suffer from severe dental anxiety. Like Oral conscious sedation, after your surgery, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home because IV sedation temporarily impairs your memory and motor skills.
Causes and Symptoms
There are several reasons why sedation dentistry is becoming more and more popular with patients.
Dental Anxiety (Fear) and Phobia: Dental phobia and anxiety, which affect a significant portion of the population, are among the most prevalent reasons. When going to the dentist, these people usually experience severe anxiety and even panic because of past traumatic events or a fear of pain.
Complex Dental Procedures: To ensure the patient’s comfort during complicated and time-consuming dental operations like root canals or oral surgery, sedation may be required. Patients who are sedated feel more comfortable and relaxed undergoing these treatments.
Sensitive Gag Reflex: Some people struggle to endure dental procedures that involve putting objects in their mouths because they have an overly sensitive gag reflex. This reaction may be suppressed by sedation, allowing for a more efficient procedure.
Low Pain Tolerance: Low pain tolerance Individuals could feel pain even during basic dental operations. For such patients, sedation can lower their pain threshold, making dental treatments easier to endure.
Medical Conditions: Autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, several syndromes are a few examples of medical disorders that might make it challenging for patients to comply during dental treatments. These challenges may be resolved with sedation.
Time Efficiency: The duration of lengthy dental treatments could be shortened by using sedation. This enables several procedures to be finished in a single visit, which can be advantageous for both patients and dentists.
Improved Patient Experience: To improve the entire patient experience, dentists may provide sedation as a choice. A patient who is at ease and comfortable is more likely to keep up with routine checkups and maintain good dental health.
Allergic Reactions: Some patients might respond adversely to other dental medicines or local anesthetic. In certain circumstances, sedation may be a safer option.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists frequently utilize sedation to calm young patients’ anxiety and restlessness and get a longer span of time to ensure that they receive the essential dental care, most commonly in a single visit.
Elderly Patients: Due to age-related problems, older people frequently experience dental difficulties. Their oral health can be preserved and procedures made more tolerable with sedation.
Treatment Process
The treatment process for sedation dentistry includes the following steps:
Consultation: The patient meets with the dentist to go through their dental history, issues, and medical conditions. The results of this consultation are used to choose the right dose of sedation.
Medical Assessment: To make sure the patient is suitable for sedation, a comprehensive medical examination is done. At times, depending on the medical history, the primary doctor of the patient is also involved in the care of the patient through consultations and MD clearance.
Sedation Plan: The dentist decides which sedation technique is most appropriate and then develops a customized sedation strategy. This might range from modest oral sedatives to general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation.
Procedure: The sedative technique that is most suitable is used as planned on the day of the dental procedure. To ensure the patient’s safety, they are constantly being observed and monitored through monitoring devices and trained personnel.
Dental Work: After the anesthesia kicks in, the dentist completes the required dental work, whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more involved operation or surgery.
Recovery:The patient is closely monitored as they recover from the sedation after the dental procedure is completed. Before they leave the dental office, this recovery time makes sure they are steady and awake.
Post-Procedure Care: The dentist gives post-procedure instructions, along with any prescriptions or follow-up appointments that might be required.
Transportation: It’s crucial to arrange for a trustworthy adult to transport the patient home because they might still be experiencing the effects of anesthesia.
Follow-Up: The patient may need to make a follow-up consultation to evaluate their recovery and handle any issues, depending on the type of sedation utilized.
Post Treatment Precautions
Patients should take the following post-treatment measures after receiving sedation dentistry:
Rest: After the treatment, it is important to unwind and rest. For the rest of the day, refrain from engaging in any demanding activities or focused chores.
Supervision: Make plans for a responsible adult to drive you home after the appointment. Your ability to drive or make vital judgments may be affected by the lingering effects of sedation. A family member or responsible adult should be close by for at least 12 to 24 hrs after the procedure for your basic needs, for which you may need help.
Diet and Hydration:In the beginning, stick to clear fluids, and, gradually introduce soft foods through the course of the day. For at least 24 hours, stay away from alcohol and hot or spicy foods. Keep yourself hydrated.
Medications:Follow your dentist’s instructions when taking recommended drugs. These could consist of either analgesics or antibiotics to avoid infection.
Oral Care:After the operation, be gentle when brushing and flossing your teeth. Avoid rinsing vigorously, especially if you just had oral surgery.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: For at least 24 hours, abstain from alcohol and smoke. They may interact with drugs and hinder the healing process.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to track your healing and resolve any issues.
Contact Your Dentist: If you experience unusual or severe symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, or severe pain, contact your dentist immediately.
FAQ
When performing dental work, sedation dentistry entails giving patients sedatives to make them more comfortable. When given by qualified specialists who closely watch over patients throughout the procedure, it is typically safe. To ensure safety, dentists evaluate the patient’s medical history and choose the best sedation technique.
Patients who need significant dental work, have a sensitive gag reflex, have specific medical conditions, or who have dental anxiety or phobia should consider sedation dentistry. It may also be utilized with patients who have trouble undergoing dental treatment, such as young children or old age individuals.
Dental sedation alternatives include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), intravenous (IV) sedation, general anesthesia for more involved procedures, and even minor sedatives such as oral medicines (pills). The decision is based on the patient’s requirements, the difficulty of the procedure, and the dentist’s recommendation.
Depending on the sedation method administered, the amount of consciousness varies. Patients usually remain conscious but experience a profound sense of relaxation when using light sedation techniques like nitrous oxide or oral medicines. Depending on the operation and the patient’s state, people undergoing IV sedation and general anesthesia may experience varied degrees of consciousness, ranging from fully conscious to completely asleep. Before the procedure, your dentist will talk to you about the level of sedation.
We accept most Insurances, and all credit cards & payment plans are available.