Why Do Dentists Do Sedation?
Most of the time when your dentist uses a drill to cut away tooth decay it really doesn’t hurt. But if the thought of a drill distresses you, ask us about sedation.
There are many reasons why, for example;
- They worry about the pain
- They might feel scared they will want to stop mid procedure,
- They fear the potential discomfort.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation or Sleep dentistry involves using sedatives and pain relievers to help dental patients relax during dental examinations. Usually, patients will remain awake and alert, they just won’t experience the overwhelming anxiety they fear.
With sedation, the dental anaesthetist administers a drug before or during the dental procedure. Only one type — general anaesthesia — renders the patient completely unconscious. The other forms will relax you, but won’t knock you out completely.
Nitrous Oxide gas – reduces anxiety about dental treatment
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Patients who consider sedation dentistry often have different reasons for their interest, such as the following:
- Phobia related to dental procedures
- Bad experience with dental work in the past
- Particularly sensitive teeth (oral nerves)
- Have a bad gag reflex
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Small mouth that becomes sore during dental work
- Resistance to local anaesthetic or fear of having a needle
- General anxiety disorder
A long dental treatment is not a pleasant experience and can be made stress free and more comfortable with sedation.
Dental Procedures for Anxious Patients
Dental sedation can help patients get through many types of dental work, such as root canals, tooth extractions, dental implantation, and more. However, it’s typically not offered for regular dental cleanings, X-rays, and other routine care.
- Relax and calm your nerves,
- Feel more comfortable with the dental procedure
- Avoid restlessness as you go through a long procedure
- Control a bad gag reflex
A long dental treatment is not a pleasant experience and can be made stress free and more comfortable with sedation.
Sedation dentistry helps minimize pain and discomfort during dental treatment. Unlike deep sedation, where dentists use general anaesthesia, conscious sedation dentistry calms you without rendering you otherwise unresponsive. You will still be able to answer questions, ask questions, respond to touch, and communicate any discomfort you may be experiencing to your sedation dentist.
What Types of Sedation Drugs Are Used in Dentistry?
Relaxation Options for oral care
Inhalation Sedation to help you relax – also called nitrous oxide or laughing gas.
You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” which is combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly.
Oral sedation drugs are usually taken either the night before the treatment or immediately before the dental appointment to help relax you and minimize pain.
Deep sedation and general anaesthesia. ou will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious during the procedure. While you are under general anaesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anaesthesia wears off or is reversed with medication.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anaesthetic – a numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth — to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.
Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation?
No, most dentists use a dentist anaesthesiologist, who is specially trained to give all levels of sedation and anaesthesia to both children and adults.
How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?
There is always a risk in getting anaesthesia whether for dental or medical reasons. It is usually safe, though, when given by an experienced anaesthesiologist.
However, certain people, such as those who are obese or who have obstructive sleep apnoea, should talk to their doctor before having sedation. That’s because they are more likely to develop complications from the anaesthesia.
Before the procedure, your dentist should go over your medical history. Your dentist should also determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for sedation and ask about any medications you’re currently taking.
Quick Summary – Oral Sedation for Adult and Paediatric Dentistry
If you happen to be someone who hasn’t been to the dentist in a while because you’re too afraid to go, we have good news for you.
If you feel uncontrolable fear at the sight of a syringe, ask us about sedation dentistry.
But dental health is a crucial part of your overall health, so you need to make and keep your regular dental appointments.
Garners Dental provides many options for anxious patients so please discuss with us what options are best suited to help you manage the stress of having dental procedures.
One such option is sleep dentistry, also known as conscious sedation or sedation dentistry.
If you struggle with dental fear and anxiety, there are better options for dealing with the fear besides staying away from the dentist.
Sleep dentistry may be the solution you need to help you protect your dental health while also protecting your emotional health.