4 Types of Sedation Dentistry Explained
Your dentist may recommend a form of sedation dentistry for a lengthy procedure or dental anxiety. Avoiding dental procedures because of fear or anxiety can make your oral health worse and sedation dentistry provides a way for patients to relax while receiving necessary dental care.
The four types of sedation dentistry are nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. It is important to understand how the types of dental sedation work because the right sedation method could completely transform your feelings about the dental chair.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is also known as "laughing gas" and is a drug that is commonly used in sedation dentistry. You inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or nose piece and start to feel drowsy within a few minutes. The gas makes you relax without losing consciousness.
The amount of nitrous oxide you receive is controlled by the dentist who regulates the dosage as the operation proceeds. Because nitrous oxide is flushed out of your system very quickly, you are generally able to drive home after leaving the dental office.
Oral Sedation
Sedative medication often comes in the form of a tablet or capsule that you take an hour or so before the procedure starts. Dentists may prefer to use liquid medication with children. A 2021 study observed that oral sedation allows for successful minimal sedation in a majority of cases in children.
Because oral conscious sedation makes you feel groggy, some patients fall asleep during their procedure. However, because the degree of sedation is fairly light, you can still communicate with your dentist.
Patients who have received oral sedation must make arrangements to be driven home after their dental treatment because it can affect memory and motor skills. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects of sedation medication to wear off completely.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a form of moderate sedation that is available in dental offices. During IV sedation, medical professionals deliver medications straight to your bloodstream via an IV line.
During the process, the dentist carefully monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. It is considered a safe sedative method as you are still conscious and the dentist can adjust the dosage easily.
Because IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation than nitrous oxide, many patients fall asleep during their procedure and won't remember the experience. For this reason, IV sedation is appropriate for longer or more complicated procedures or people suffering from severe anxiety or conditions that could impede the smooth completion of the procedure.
Patients may need up to 24 hours to fully recover from the effects of IV sedation.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is typically administered in a hospital setting. A general anesthetic is usually chosen when treating young children, patients with special needs, and people who suffer from severe dental anxiety.
Unlike the other three types of sedation, general anesthesia is “unconscious sedation.” General anesthesia is only chosen as a sedation method when it is truly necessary. Dentists will discuss the suitability and requirements for GA with the patient and their family members to ensure that this sedation method is safe for the patient before proceeding.
Benefits and Potential Risks of Sedation
Sedation dentistry is a safe and widely used approach to help patients relax in the dental chair. It offers several benefits along with a few potential side effects and risks.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation during a dental procedure offers the following benefits:
Eases fears and anxiety, allowing the patient to stay calm
Allows the dentist to perform more than one procedure at a time, resulting in fewer appointments
Dentists can work more easily and quickly when the patient is comfortable.
Are There Any Risks?
Experienced, reputable dentists go to great lengths to ensure each patient’s safety when using sedation techniques. Indeed, the professionalism and care shown by our dental team are two of the reasons many patients come to our dental office in Bakersfield, CA.
When sedation dentistry is administered by a professional, it's considered a safe and beneficial part of the dental process. However, some patients can experience short-term complaints such as:
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Headaches
It's also possible—though rare—for patients to suffer an allergic reaction to oral sedation medications. There are readily available drugs to counteract any issue caused by allergies.
FAQs
The following are a few of the most common questions about sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry, or conscious sedation dentistry, is an approach that uses pharmaceutical assistance to help patients feel calm during dental procedures. Because sedation dentistry typically employs moderate sedation methods, you can expect to remain awake during your procedure. Some also refer to certain IV sedation methods as "twilight sleep" because they cause short-term amnesia as well as dulling pain.
Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
Though it may not be necessary for all patients or all procedures, many people can benefit from sedation. Sedation dentistry is recommended for both adults and children who need it. Dentists may especially recommend sedation dentistry for patients with:
Severe dental anxiety
A sensitive gag reflex
A low pain threshold
A fear of needles
Extremely sensitive teeth
Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
Difficulty controlling movements
Sedation dentistry is also recommended for patients with special physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs as it helps to make procedures safer and more comfortable for them as well as for the dentist performing the procedure.
What Happens Before a Procedure Using Sedation Dentistry?
The dentist will discuss your sedation options with you during your initial consultation. They will take your medical history and any medications you're taking into account to advise you on the best sedation options for you.
On the day of the procedure, you may be advised not to eat or drink for at least six hours before your appointment. However, you should be able to take your medications as usual unless otherwise directed by the dentist.
What Happens During My Appointment?
Your dentist may give you oral sedative medications, IV medications, or laughing gas before the procedure. This way, you'll feel at ease when the procedure begins. The dentist will still give you local anesthetic in your teeth and gums to numb the area during your operation, but you will be more comfortable by the time you receive it.
What Happens After My Appointment?
You can drive yourself home after receiving nitrous oxide, but you must go home with a family member or a friend if you receive any of the other sedation options. When you arrive home, rest until the sedative medication wears off completely. Ideally, your friend or family member should accompany you into your home and see that you make it safely onto your bed or the couch before they leave.
What Happens if I Avoid or Delay Dental Appointments Due to Dental Anxiety?
Avoiding necessary dental treatment can lead to a deterioration of your oral health. Common problems like tooth decay and gum disease need treatment before they become severe or cause more serious problems like an infection.
In severe cases, gum disease and poor oral hygiene can even damage your vital organs. You may end up needing more extensive and costly treatments than you would with timely treatment.
Can Pregnant Women Have Sedation Dentistry?
As a general rule, sedation dentistry isn't recommended during pregnancy because some of the medications used can affect fetal development. Nitrous oxide can sometimes be administered during the second trimester.
Consult Your Dentist About Sedation Options
Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of sedation for your procedure based on your feelings, medical history, and the treatment you are going to receive. It's important to let your dentist know about anything that could affect the decision.
Finding a dentist who understands you and takes your concerns into account is also a vital step to feeling more comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. A compassionate dentist who uses sedation appropriately can help you feel at ease receiving required treatments, leading to long-term benefits for your oral health.