What to Know before Sedation Dental Treatment

Going to the dentist evokes anxiety for most people. A simple procedure like having teeth cleaned may make them avoid going to the dental office. Some even prefer enduring a painful toothache rather than seeking dental treatment. The dentist in Delta, BC, offers a solution for kids and adults with this fear.

Sedation dental treatment involves using medication to help a patient relax during a dental procedure. It lets the patient relax during the process and relieves any pain and discomfort. dentists administer sedation according to weight, age, and dental procedure to be performed. It is safe and recommended for any dental treatment.

Types Of Sedation

Sedation dental treatment comes in different types. they depend on the needs of the patients and the type of procedure to be performed. Your dentist may recommend any of the common types of sedation below:

1. Light sedation- This sedation keeps you comfortable yet awake throughout the procedure.
2. Moderate sedation- The sedation relaxes you completely during the procedure. You will remain awake but unable to respond to basic commands.
3. Deep sedation- The patient is on the edge of consciousness but can be awakened at any stage of the process.
4. General anesthesia- You remain unconscious during the surgery and require assistance breathing. The patient cannot be awakened easily after the administration of general anesthesia. You must wait for the sedative effects to wear off or receive medication to reverse the effects.

Administering Sedations

At the dental office, the dentist may administer sedation in various ways. Methods of administering sedation include:

1. Inhaled sedation

A dentist helps you inhale a combination of Nitrous Oxide and oxygen. It is administered as a gas through a mask. The dentist easily controls the amount of sedative allocated during the treatment. The sedative helps you relax and wears off quickly, leaving you clear-headed.

2. Oral sedation

You may have sedation in the form of pills taken before the procedure. They only make you relaxed and drowsy enough to undergo the process comfortably. You may need a local anesthetic to help relieve pain during an invasive procedure. The dentist may administer a small or large dose of this sedative based on the needed treatment.

3. IV Sedation

The sedation is administered through an IV line placed in a vein in the patient’s arm. It works fast since it goes directly into the body. Levels of sedation are easily controlled through the IV line. This ensures their suitability for different individuals.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Although sedation is most beneficial for patients with dental phobia, it is appropriate for others too. For example, the dentist in Delta, BC, recommends it for those who cannot sit still in the dentist’s chair. Individuals undergoing multi-treatments, invasive treatments, or having small mouths also need sedation dentistry.

Sedation benefits people with a bad gag reflex preventing them from getting dental care. The dentist also recommends sedation for patients with special needs or disabilities. Those with a low pain threshold or previous bad experiences at a dental office need the treatment too. It helps them remain calm and deal with dental treatments that may seem daunting.

However, not everyone is a perfect candidate for sedation dentistry. Before administering sedatives, the dentist will consider your overall physical and mental health. At Precision Dentistry, the medical history is considered before administering a sedative. A physical assessment is carried out too. They help determine suitability of the treatment, type, and level of sedation required.

Is Sedation Treatment Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe but may pose some risks. Patients who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea may be prone to these risks. Therefore, ensure that the dentist is appropriately trained and experienced before receiving any sedatives from them.

Help the dentist go over your medical history and medications you may be currently using. Give the correct information to help the specialist ensure that sedation is safe for you. The dentist will consider your age and health before the treatment. To provide the correct dosage recommended by the FDA.

Follow all the instructions your dentist provides on the type of sedation you will receive. This helps prevent complications. For example, some sedatives will require fasting for several hours before their administration. Ignoring the instructions may lead to choking during the dental procedure.