The majority feel a little nervous in the dentist’s chair. But many become so anxious that they prefer to bear the dental pain over visiting a dentist for treatment.

The main reason for such anxiety may be the fear of needles or the extreme painful treatment procedures. That’s why the dental industry uses sedation dentistry. It provides a complete solution to dental phobia or nervousness.

The technique uses many medications to cure patients’ nervousness before or during dental treatment procedures. But their types and the level of dose varies from patient to patient. This blog will give information on what sedation dentistry is, the types and what you can expect from this technique.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps calm your dental anxiety and makes you feel relaxed during dental procedures. It focuses on providing a positive dental experience so that you can visit the dentist easily and receive the necessary treatment without any stress.

Sedation dentistry is a risk-free method that fulfils different needs of individuals of all ages. Generally, dental experts recommend sedation to overcome the following problems:

• Dental Anxiousness
• Susceptible gang reflexes
• Highly sensitive teeth
• Extreme fear of injections
• Traumatic dental experience in past
• Reduced sensitivity to local anaesthesia
• Problem in handling movements
• Other special conditions

What Are the Kinds Of Sedation Used In Dental Care?

Dental care solutions use different types of sedation based on patient’s specific needs. In addition, the medication dosage and types depend on the patient’s health condition, anxiety level, and the type of dental treatment they receive.

Following are the most common sedation used in dental treatments:

• Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation used by dentists. It shows its effect within 3-5 minutes of inhalation. Your dentist will manage the dosages. Finally, it is flushed out from your body using pure oxygen upon completing the dental process. You will regain consciousness immediately and can safely drive your vehicle after the operation.

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV sedation is the most common form of conscious sedation used in dentistry. The medication is directly delivered to the blood using an IV line in this procedure. It will make you fall asleep with little or no memory. In the meanwhile, your dentist will perform all the operations smoothly. You will remember no pain, fear, sound, or smell when you regain your sense. It will create a positive experience reducing your anxiousness for the next dental visit.

• Oral Conscious Sedation

It involves the use of sedative medications in the form of a pill. It is given an hour before the dental treatment process starts. But if the patient is a child, the dentist generally uses liquid syrup.

This technique will make you feel dizzy with a strong tendency to fall asleep. But you can communicate with your doctor if necessary. It will take time to recover fully from the sedation effect. So, the dentist recommends taking the help of a responsible adult to drive you to your home after the procedure.

• General Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is unconscious sedation. It is used on those who have severe dental phobia. Receiving local anaesthesia, a patient becomes completely cold. In addition, a dentist requires certification and training to decide the dose of local anaesthesia and administer it to the patient.

What You Can Expect Before Receiving Sedation

You will have a consultation with your dentist. In this consultation, your dentist will check your oral health condition and discuss your dental fear or phobia. In addition, your dental professional may ask about your current health condition, if you are taking any medication etc. After gathering all details, he will discuss the sedation options and recommend the most suitable one. At this stage, you can ask any questions you may have or clarify your doubts regarding sedation dentistry.

Usually, dentists suggest their patients not eat or drink anything at least six hours before and during sedation. It is essential to empty your stomach because the food may obstruct the airways while you are under sedation.

Furthermore, remember to inform your dental professional if you are presently taking any blood thinners. Your dental practitioner will suggest you skip these drugs for a couple of days before the dental treatment begins.

What You Can Expect When You Are On Sedation

Your dental expert will provide sedative drugs to relax your nerves before beginning his dental treatment. Additionally, he may use local anaesthesia to numb his gum area and teeth.

What You Can Expect After Sedation Dentistry

It will be of great help if you visit the dentist’s office with your reliable friend or family member. It is essential because you may not wear off entirely from the sedative medication effect, and your dentist will not allow you to drive before leaving the dental office. However, if the dentist uses nitrous oxide as your sedation, you can drive your car yourself.

Book A Professional Sedation Dentistry Near You

If you are afraid of visiting a dentist, look no further than the expert sedation dentists of Gisborne Dental. Call us on (03) 4050 9030 or drop an email at info@gisbornedental.com.au to get a dental solution that cares for your concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long generally does tooth sedation last?

Dental sedation is essential for patients with a dental phobia or has to undergo lengthy treatment procedures. It will require them to sit still for several hours at a stretch. In addition, it is safe for kids since they usually can’t sit still throughout the long-lasting procedures. However, many people often worry about the safety of dental sedation.

After the procedure, you will stay in the cabinet for a while till you recover. Usually, dental sedation starts wearing off after half an hour of the treatment. However, you may feel drowsy or lightheaded for a few hours afterwards. So, it will be of great help if you come with someone responsible to keep you company and drive you home safely.

Essentially, oral sedation will suppress pain responses, reduce anxiety, gag reflex, and more. These sedation techniques generally last two to eight hours after the procedure. The type of medicine you receive will determine the time it will take to wear off the sedation effect.

What if I feel pain with sedation dentistry?

You cannot feel pain with sedation dentistry. Generally, dentists combine sedation and anesthetic to keep you pain-free and relaxed throughout the procedure. As a result, it has a high success rate. Most patients leave the dental office with little to no memory of the pain involved with treatment and feel good afterwards.

Can I hear when I am on sedation?

Dentists, nurses and other medical staff usually talk to the sedated patient to confirm whether they have conscious. It proves that they may hear even if they can’t respond. However, some patients do have vague memories whilst under sedation. They will say that they had heard voices but could not remember the conversations with the people involved in the treatment process.

What Can You Expect From Sedation Dentistry?