Sedation Dentistry: Types, What It Is & What To Expect

Visiting a dentist can trigger a moderate level of anxiety in any person. But for some, this anxiety can be so severe that it can cause mental, physical, and emotional obstacles. As a result, it can make even a simple dental check-up impossible. 

For such cases, sedation dentistry may offer a viable solution. However, you may have many questions and apprehensions associated with sedation dentistry practice. This practice helps those needing dental care to seek it out properly. 

This blog on sedation dentistry will inform all readers of the sedation dentistry process, types, and other things it entails.  

What is Sedation Dentistry?  

Sedation dentistry is a process that soothes your anxious nerves and makes you feel relaxed while undergoing dental procedures. It provides a great option to those who feel anxious or nervous in the name of visiting a dentist or getting treatment. Sedation includes different techniques, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. However, not any dentist can give all types of sedation. In addition, some sedation types require special training or certification to administer.     

Who Can Get Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is safe for people of all ages. It gives a solution to different mental and physical issues. Those who have the following problems can opt for sedation dentistry: 

      • Dental Anxiety 
      • Dentist fear 
      • A sensitive gag reflexes 
      • A feat of needles and other dental tools 
      • Teeth sensitivity 
      • Traumatic feeling  
      • Low sensitivity to local anaesthesia 
      • Problem handling movements. 
      • Other special conditions 

cosmetic-dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Types 

A dentist uses the sedation technique to meet the unique needs of different patients. The dosage level and methodology depending on the patient’s anxiety level, treatment duration, personal preferences and health background. Following are the common types of sedation techniques used by dentists:  

  • Nitrous oxide 

Nitrous oxide gives a calming effect three to five minutes after its inhalation. However, your dentist will decide the sedation amount in your case and apply dosages accordingly. Once the dental procedure is completed, your dentist will flush nitrous oxide from your body with the help of oxygen. Finally, you will become fully conscious and can drive yourself home without taking anyone’s help. 

  • Oral conscious sedation 

In case of oral conscious sedation, a dentist gives sedative medication in the form of a pill. It is given an hour before he starts his dental treatment procedure. However, in paediatric dentistry, a dentist usually uses liquid sedation in syrup form. 

Oral sedation can make you fall asleep. However, you can talk to your dentist if required. Since oral sedation temporarily affects your memory, you must call your friend or family member to drive you home after the treatment. 

  • Intravenous (IV) sedation 

IV sedation dentistry is the popular conscious sedation used in dentistry. This method involves using an IV line to deliver sedative medications directly to the patient’s bloodstream. It follows frequently monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The method allows your dentist to use reversal medications or adjust the dosage at any point of the treatment, depending on how you respond. Most patients fall asleep after receiving IV sedation medication. They can’t remember what happened during the treatment after they came out from the medication effect.  

  • General Anaesthesia  

General anaesthesia is a form of unconscious sedation. It is used on those who have severe dental anxiety. It will make you completely unconscious during the procedure. It requires a certificate to administer general anaesthesia.  

Initial Consultation for Sedation 

During your initial appointment with your dentist, you will inquire about your options for sedation. Your dentist will first review your medical background and ask about any current prescription drugs or dietary supplements you may use. Then, your dentist will provide a sedative recommendation after gathering all the pertinent data about you and considering your medical history and individual requirements. 

Typically, dentists advise their patients to avoid food and liquids for at least six hours before the start of their dental operations. Also, don’t forget to let your dentist know if you’re on any blood thinners. Before starting your dental treatment, your dentist may advise you to forgo taking certain medications for a few days. 

What To Expect During Sedation Dental Work  

Your dentist will provide sedative drugs to ease your anxiety before starting his dental surgery. Additionally, you might get local anaesthesia to numb your teeth and gums.         

What to Expect Following Sedation Dentistry? 

After the treatment, you must have a responsible friend or family member who can drive you home. It is due to the fact that you must relax until the sedative medication’s effects subside. You can move your vehicle home if you opt for nitrous oxide as your sedative. 

Find A Quality Sedation Dentistry Near You! 

Why not choose our Care Family Dental Toorak specialised sedation dentistry if you are afraid to see your neighbourhood dentist? To learn more about sedation dentistry, contact Care Family Dental at (03) 9999 3324 or drop an email at . 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does sedation dentistry give the desired outcome? 

Yes, sedation dentistry is effective with a high success rate. It is used for various dental care techniques – from complex operations to teeth whitening. In addition, the medications used as injections, oral pills, etc. assist patients in calming and overcoming any fear during dental procedures. To choose the best sedation drug, your dentist will evaluate your medical history, current health conditions, and other factors. 

Is a pregnant woman safe for sedation dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is usually avoided during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is best to let your dentist know that you are expecting during your initial appointment. However, he is the best candidate to determine whether it is appropriate for your situation or not. 

Some sedative drugs might have an impact on how your foetus develops. However, the dentist may provide nitrous oxide in the second trimester, depending on different conditions. But the majority of dentists don’t prefer sedation dentistry during the pregnancy stage. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and wellness is crucial while pregnant. 

Is sedation dentistry a reasonably priced alternative? 

The length of the procedure will affect how much the sedation dentistry would cost. The cost also varies depending on sedation dentistry and the dentist’s medications. You can also compute it by taking into account your insurance coverage, geography, the standing and experience of your dentist, and other factors. 

However, the cost of sedation dentistry might vary from $200 to $300 on average. Get in touch with our experts to discuss your concerns and find out what kind of sedation dentistry is best for you. You can also receive an estimate of the sedation dentistry cost for your specific problem. 

How long does it take to recover from the sedative medication?  

Recovery times are variable for different persons. It cannot be the same for everyone and changes depending on the circumstances. The answer depends on the sedative your dentist selects and how your body reacts to it.  

People who receive nitrous oxide as a sedative recover quickly from its effect. They generally take 15-20 minutes of recovery time. However, patients who opt for oral or IV conscious sedation typically need 24 hours to recover. 

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