Sedation dentistry ensures you are comfortable during dental treatments. The procedure induces a short-term forgetfulness where you are insensitive to pain without being unconscious. Anyone can get sedation dentistry, including children. Dentists recommend this procedure if you have dental anxiety, fear of needles, extreme teeth sensitivity, and challenges controlling movements during treatment. Your dentist can also recommend Emerson sedation dentistry if you have special needs, minimal sensitivity to local anesthesia, or extremely sensitive gag reflex. There are different sedation dentistry levels depending on the length of treatment, anxiety level, or personal preferences.
Types of sedation dentistry
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as a laughing gas. During sedation dentistry, you inhale this gas through a mask or a nosepiece. The calming effects usually begin within three to five minutes. Throughout your procedure, your healthcare provider will keep controlling the amount of gas you inhale. After your dental process, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to flush nitrous oxide out of your body.
Nitrous oxide leaves your system quickly; therefore, you can drive yourself home after treatment. Your child can resume school after using nitrous oxide. Compared to other sedation techniques, laughing gas has minimal risks. Any side effect stops once your dentist removes your mask. Your dentist can use nitrous oxide for any procedure, including teeth cleanings and root canals.
Oral conscious sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative medication, commonly in pill form, thirty minutes before your treatment begins. Most dentists use triazolam, but zaleplon and lorazepam are also used. In pediatric dentistry, dentists use liquid sedation like midazolam oral syrup. Oral sedation makes you drowsy, and you can even fall asleep. But your dentist can shake you awake if there is a need for communication.
After your procedure, you can wake up with a gentle nudge. Ensure you have a person to take you home after treatment because oral sedation affects your memory and motor skills. If your kid receives oral sedation, ensure you keep the child at home after the treatment. Monitor your child throughout the day until the medication wears off.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
IV sedation is the most profound type of conscious sedation present in dentistry. It involves your dentist administering sedative medications directly into your bloodstream. During your treatment, your specialist monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. After receiving IV sedation, most patients fall asleep and have minimal or no memory of the treatment process after waking up. IV sedation is suitable if you have severe dental anxiety or undergoing a lengthy treatment process.
Complications of sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is usually safe when administered by a qualified and licensed dentist. Sometimes complications can arise, including lingering drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and bruising from IV sedation. Dentists can have challenges in predicting the effects of oral sedation medications. In rare instances, you can have an allergic reaction. However, there are medications available to treat these issues.
Sedation dentistry ensures you are calm and relaxed during dental treatments. If a trained healthcare provider performs the procedure, you are less likely to experience complications. Schedule an appointment at Emerson Dental Arts for sedation dentistry to help you feel comfortable during dental procedures.