Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that utilizes oral, IV or gas sedatives. Sedatives can be used to either reduce patient anxiety or to put them to sleep. Generally, sedation dentists will only administer sedation that relaxes the patient without actually putting them under. This is much safer for the patient. However, when serious dental surgeries need to be performed, or when the patient has an extreme phobia to dental procedures, IV sedation is administered and the patient is put under.

Oral Sedation Dentistry

The first type of sedation is oral sedation, usually in the form of Valium. This is generally a low-cost sedation method that dentists use for patients with dental procedure anxiety. The process for oral sedation is pretty simple. The dentist gives the patient two doses of medication to take home with them. The patient takes one pill before they go to bed. This helps them to sleep comfortably through the night. The next morning the patient takes another dose before they leave for the dentist. This helps the patient to relax. When the patient arrives at their dentist's office, they are prepped for their procedure and hooked up to a monitor that tracks their vital signs. Finally, the patient is given a two part sedative that will put them to sleep.

Gas Sedative Dentistry

One of the most common forms of sedation dentistry is gas sedation. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is delivered to the patient via a nose mask in this form of sedation. The nitrous oxide, which is sweet tasting and smelling, produces a euphoric feeling and helps the patient to relax or fall asleep in the chair. This is another relatively low-cost sedation method.

IV Sedation Dentistry

The most expensive form of sedation dentistry is IV sedation. This is because it requires a larger staff of medical professionals, as well as more pieces of equipment. Sedation dentists recommend this form of painless dentistry to patients with severe dental anxiety or who need very painful dental surgeries.

If you select this type of sedation then you will need to get a complete physical checkup by your regular doctor to get approved for the sedation procedure. If you are cleared for the procedure, then you will show up on the day of your procedure and be given a liquid sedative. This will prepare you for the IV sedation. You will then be prepped for surgery and hooked up to a heart monitor and oxygen saturation monitor. When you are ready, an IV will be inserted into one of your veins and you will be injected with your sedation medications. After the surgery is over, you will be given an antidote for the sedation medications and taken into a recovery room.

Author: Eisla Sebastian

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