Types of Sedation Dentistry and How They Are Chosen

Sedation dentistry uses medication to provide relaxation to patients undergoing dental procedures. It is also referred to as sleep dentistry. It helps patients who are afraid of receiving dental care overcome the dental phobia condition.

The levels of sedation that are used include:

• Minimal level sedation – You will be awake but relaxed.
• Moderate level sedation – You may slur their words when attempting to speak and forget about the procedure.
• Deep sedation – You are placed on consciousness’ edge, but you can still awake them.
• General anesthesia – takes you into a state of complete unconsciousness.

Forms of Sedation in Dentistry

The following are some of the most commonly used types of sedation in dentistry:

1. Inhaled sedation

A person breathes in laughing gas via a mask put over their nose. The gas aids in relaxation of the patient. The dentist is the one in control of the amounts of sedation you take in, and it will wear off faster. This is the only form of sedation where afterward, you may drive yourself home.

Although this form of sedation raises your pain threshold, most treatments require an injection of local anesthetics in the mouth even during the performance of sedation dentistry techniques. The anesthetic temporary blocks pain impulses from the affected tooth and the gum tissue.

2. Oral sedation

It ranges from minimal to moderate, depending on the administered dose. For minimal sedation, all you have to do is take a pill. The pill should be taken an hour before you undergo the procedure.

You will be awake during the whole procedure, but you’ll experience drowsiness. To produce moderate sedation, a larger dose is prescribed. Here, most people can become groggy, and some fall asleep. You can be easily awakened by being shaken gently.

3. IV moderate level sedation

When receiving IV sedation at the dentistry of Delta, BC, the sedative enters your body via a vein. This way, it works even more quickly. In this method, the dentist continually adjusts the sedation levels you receive. This method is both effective and safe when administered by a well-trained professional.

4. Deep sedation

Medication will be administered to you to make you go into a deep sleep while undergoing the procedure. You can, however, not be woken up until the anesthesia effects wear off.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

People often feel like the procedure lasted only for a few minutes, even if they took hours. This way, complex treatments that require multiple visits can be done in lesser appointments.
If you are afraid to undergo a procedure because of the dental phobia complex, sedation dentistry can relax you and make you feel comfortable.

There is a high likelihood of sedation dentistry patients receiving recommended routine care. Consequently, they won’t neglect their dental health or allow their oral health issues to worsen.

Insurance Coverage for Sedation Dentistry

Insurance providers usually do not pay for sedation. This is according to DOCS Education. Some non-intravenous sedation procedures, however, may apply to your treatment. For instance, if periodontal scaling and root planing procedures are being done on all the four quadrants of your mouth, the costs of this procedure may be covered by your insurance provider if it is completed within one appointment.

How to Select a Sedation Dentist

If you are looking for a qualified dentist, you may find the following considerations helpful:

1. Education: Ask about the dentist education level in the sedation industry. There is limited training that is offered in dental schools, specifically to sedation dentistry.

2. Ongoing Training: Participating in organizations like DOCS gives opportunities for continuing training and education in the techniques of sedation dentistry. Inquire if your dentist attends programs sponsored by the named groups.

3. Medical history and medications: Make sure to bring along a list of your medical history and go through the list with your dentist to ensure sedation dentistry is the right decision for your situation.

At Precision Dentistry, there are qualified medical dentists committed to giving you the best dental care. The team here will help you in achieving an exceptional dental health level. Dentist Navi Boparai is an excellent performer in his craft and emphasizes on exceeding clients’ expectations.