Dental sedation may provide effective solutions for patients with dental phobia or those requiring complex treatments. Understanding the safety concerns and sedatives used will help you prepare adequately for dental appointments. Here are some things you can ask your dentist about dental sedation:
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation helps you to feel calm and relaxed when undergoing dental procedures. It uses a moderate amount of sedation that leaves you technically awake but comfortable during a dental procedure. Orthodontists and dentists assess a patient’s medical history before proceeding with any kind of sedation. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking might limit dentists from administering sedatives to a patient.
Dentists use various sedatives, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, intravenous (IV) sedation, and general sedation. Orthodontists or dentists administer laughing gas using masks that cover the nose. It usually works in a few minutes, leaving you calm as it induces euphoria, causing some patients to laugh. These effects subside a short time after breathing in the gas and have no side effects.
Unlike nitrous oxide, oral sedation is administered in pill form and could leave the patient tired. The patient is still conscious, and the doctor can wake you up if necessary. The effects of oral sedation might impair motor skills, such as driving. IV sedation is administered through an intravenous needle in the patient’s arm and monitored during the treatment. It might cause side effects such as slurred speech and memory loss.
Benefits of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation can help reduce a patient’s anxiety during operations, making them comfortable while receiving dental care. Sedatives might also offer pain relief to help patients cope during a dental procedure. Sedation may help you avoid gag reflexes while the orthodontist performs a dental procedure. This allows the dentist to work efficiently while the patient remains relaxed and comfortable.
Sedation could also allow the patient to sleep during the procedure, preventing them from twitching or moving in the dental chair. This can make the orthodontist or dentist’s job easier or allow them to complete the operation in a shorter time. Communicating with your healthcare provider can help you understand the benefits that each sedation method offers.
Safety Concerns
Your orthodontist or dentist can recommend appropriate sedation procedures based on the nature of the treatment and the patient’s medical history. Provide accurate medical records or notes on previous treatments to let your healthcare provider identify any sensitivities or allergies that you might have. Dentists can provide aftercare services following your dental appointment to give you a smoother transition after the sedative wears off.
Preparing for Your Appointment
The patient should avoid eating a few hours before the dental appointment to prevent the feeling of nausea during the medical procedure. Brushing and flossing might help remove food particles stuck between the teeth, and mouthwash can help remove hard-to-reach bacteria in the patient’s mouth. Avoid wearing stiff clothing to increase your comfort during the dental appointment. When scheduling an IV sedation, the patient can clear their schedule to avoid interacting with heavy machinery after the appointment. Consult your orthodontist or dentist to understand the sedation process.
Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist
Choosing an orthodontist or dentist to perform your dental procedure may be influenced by the sedatives they use. From nitrous oxide to oral sedation, dentists and orthodontists offer safe solutions to provide effective care during dental treatments. Contact a dentist to learn more about the sedation techniques available.
