What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry is a form of dentistry that makes use of various types of medications to ensure dental patients remain calm and comfortable during their procedure. It enables the patient to receive much needed dental care that might otherwise be deferred due to ‘dental phobia’ – a fear of going to the dentist and fear of the unknown with such dental procedures like root canals and wisdom teeth extraction.
What Are the Benefits?
This form of dentistry is becoming more popular for both patients and dentists. The percentage of patients who would previously avoid going to the dentist simply because they were afraid, has taken a dramatic decline.
Why?
Well, here are just a few of the reasons:
• The patient’s level of anxiety about the procedure is greatly reduced
• The patient is more comfortable both physically and emotionally
• The patient is more cooperative
• The patient is less likely to flinch or have involuntary movements that could impact the procedure
• More can be accomplished during a single treatment
• The patient is less likely to associate negative thoughts with having a dental procedure
• The dentist is able to work with fewer distractions and delays commonly seen in patients with high levels of anxiety
Let’s face it – nobody likes going to the dentist. Almost all of us have had at least one bad experience in a dental chair. It’s not like going to a spa, where we reward ourselves for a hard work week by getting a relaxing massage. Nor is it like going in for a manicure, the results of which we can admire and show off to our friends. Unless the dental procedure is for cosmetic purposes, we really don’t attach or associate it with something that feels or looks good. The result is that going to the dentist almost always elicits a sense of dread and foreboding.
But modern dentistry is changing all that. Gone are the days where patients dread every visit to the office. If a patient has just one good experience, they’re more likely to return. The result is that patients become more proactive in their dental care, which results in overall better health, and in turn fewer visits throughout a lifetime.
So How Does This Work?
There are many forms of sedation available including oral (tablets and liquids), inhaled (laughing gas) and IV (intravenous). You and your dentist will decide on the method and dosage that works best for you, depending on several factors that will include your overall anxiety level, your height and weight, and the type and length of the procedure you will be undergoing.
It’s important to note that dental freezing will still be required for those procedures that require it. Sedation will not replace the need for local anesthetic, however, the sedative medications will always be administered first. This will help to relax the patient and reduce the level of fear many patients experience at the thought of dental freezing and needles.
Let’s explore the different types of sedation available:
Oral Sedation – Tablets and Liquids:
Oral sedation is the most common method in use today. It’s safe, easy, and gives the patient a sense of control during administration of the medication. The patient is asked to come into the office one hour before the procedure. They are given their medication in pill or liquid form, and then will be allowed to relax in the dental chair while the medication takes effect. The patient will not lose consciousness, however they will have a sense of well-being throughout the procedure, and often times, depending on the exact type of sedative given, may not even remember the procedure at all.
Commonly used oral sedatives include Lorazepam (Ativan) and Midazolam.
Inhaled Sedation – Laughing Gas
Laughing gas is a sedative called Nitrous Oxide. It is administered via a special apparatus called a nasal hood. Essentially, the hood is placed over your nose, and you simply breathe normally. With no color, smell or taste, it’s a very gentle form of sedation, and many patients describe the effect of having had a few margaritas on a warm sunny beach – in other words, a slightly intoxicated euphoric feeling. And by the way, some dentists offer flavored laughing gas too! How about a Pina Colada to go with your Margarita?
An added benefit of laughing gas that other forms of sedation don’t have, is that it takes effect quickly, and wears off almost immediately upon removing the nasal hood. This means the patient can return to normal activities as soon as they leave the office.
IV Sedation
IV Sedation is generally reserved for patients who suffer severe ‘dental phobia’. It utilizes a technique referred to as ‘conscious sedation’, wherein the patient is in a sleep-like state, yet technically still awake and able to perform actions as requested by the dentist (such as opening/closing the mouth).
Throughout the procedure, pulse rate and oxygen levels will be monitored to ensure the patient is not becoming overall sedated. Patients will rarely remember anything about their procedure, as the medications used in IV sedation are considerably stronger than those used in oral or inhalation sedation.
Commonly used IV sedatives include Midazolam and Diazepam (Valium).
Risks
While complications are rare, any time any form of sedation is used in dentistry or otherwise, precautions must be taken. Always check to ensure your dentist is properly trained and licensed to administer any form of sedation. Inform your dentist of all other medications you are taking at the time of your procedure. This includes any supplements or herbal remedies. This will prevent potential drug interactions.
Then, be aware of risks that could include over sedation or respiratory depression.
Patients who receive oral or IV sedation will not be allowed to leave the office alone, drive, or operate heavy machinery for the next 24 hours. This will ensure safety in as the drugs are eliminated from the bloodstream.
Summary
Overall, the benefits of sedation dentistry outweigh the associated risks. Effective and highly reliable, patients are able to receive the best possible care with the least possible discomfort. The end will almost always mean less trips to the dentist in the long run!
Need Sedation Dentistry Vancouver?
Our sedation dentist located in Kitsilano Vancouver, have been practicing sedation dentistry for several years and are highly trained and highly experienced. So if you’re looking for a sedation dentist in the Kitsilano or Vancouver area, please contact us for a free consultation.
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