Posted by A lot of adults are struck by fear when they think that they need to go to the dentist. Oftentimes, dental appointments are associated with pain. Whether itâs as simple as teeth cleaning and polishing (prophylaxis) or as complicated as a dental surgery, some adults would rather postpone visiting their dentist, and take painkillers instead. Doing this will only make dental problems worse. If you are living with dental phobia, or have had traumatic experiences with a previous dentist, consider sedation dentistry as one of your options.
Sedation dentistry uses special medication to calm or sedate the patient before any type of dental procedure is performed. The choice of sedative will depend on what is appropriate for the patient, depending on the kind of procedure. Intravenous administration of sedatives was common in the past but nowadays, the medication may be swallowed, absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth or inserted rectally. Oral sedation has become the most common because of its “needle-free” approach.
Sedation can range from minimal, moderate and deep. Mild sedation banishes the patient’s anxiety whereas deep sedation renders the patient unconscious. However, those under deep sedation can still be awakened. Moderate sedation renders the patient groggy and half-conscious, making them fall asleep in most cases. However, sedatives are not substitutes to anesthesia, so your dentist may need to inject anesthesia for invasive procedures.
The most common sedative used for sedation dentistry belong to the class of benzodiazepines. At high dosages, benzodiazepines may cause dissociation. Another common medication is called Halcion, which is used to treat sleeping problems. Oral sedatives are usually taken an hour before the procedure. It normally takes a few hours for the effects of the sedative and the anesthesia to wane, so it is recommended to have someone drive you home.
For those who undergo a quick procedure and need to drive themselves home, the dentist will administer nitrous oxide to them through inhalation. This sedative wears off relatively quick so patients can go back to their normal activities a short while after the dental procedure. If you just need your teeth cleaned, this may be the sedative you need.
Sedation dentistry is not the same as sleep dentistry. Unless they are under deep sedation, patients can still interact with the dentist, and respond to simple questions. At the end of the procedure, most patients under moderate and deep sedation report that they barely remember anything while they were under the influence of sedatives. Those who received mild sedatives, are fully aware but relaxed during the procedure. They can become totally unaware of sight, sounds and smells within the dental office in Sterling, VA.
Other people who have sensitive teeth, or strong gag reflex can also ask for sedation. If you need a complicated dental surgery, your dentist can inform you about sedation options.
