Sedation dentistry provides options for patients who wish to use medication to help them relax while undergoing dental procedures. Sedation can be employed for procedures as simple as teeth cleanings or as invasive as oral surgeries. It depends on the amount of anxiety or fear that the patient experiences; some patients find that sedation is the best way for them to handle dental procedures. An experienced dentist can explain sedation options to you, and help you decide if one of the following levels of sedation is right for you.
Inhaled sedatives
Sedatives, usually nitrous oxide, can be combined with oxygen and inhaled through a mask. This will put you into a light sleep and relax your nerves, as well as lessen bleeding risks because circulation and blood pressure are in calm states. Inhaled sedation is most often used for light dental procedures such as teeth cleanings.
Oral sedatives
You may be given a pill to relax you and cause drowsiness. Oral sedatives don’t always put you to sleep, so you may remain conscious during the dental procedure. However you are relaxed and typically not bothered by the process.
Intravenous (IV) sedatives
Taking effect very quickly, sedatives may be injected through your vein. Your dentist will adjust the sedation level according to the medication and the procedure so that you are relaxed or dozing for the appropriate amount of time.
General anesthesia
Similar to sedation during medical surgical procedures, general anesthesia is used on more serious dental procedures. You will be completely unconscious during the whole procedure, and will awaken when the drug wears off. General anesthesia patients require someone to drive them home following the procedure, because they are groggy afterwards.
