Sedation Options in Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is on the rise as the levels of dental anxiety remain heightened among the general population. But what exactly defines a sedation dentist? What skills should he or she possess to administer different forms of sedative medications? Let’s go through the different forms of sedation as well as the medications that are given so we have a clearer understanding of what sedation dentistry actually is.

Methods of Providing Conscious Sedation to Patients

Oral Sedation: Oral sedation is defined as giving a tablet through the oral cavity in order to produce a desired sedative effect on that person. The most commonly given medications to produce that desired effect are Halcyon and Valium. Both forms of oral sedation are given by dentists, and both can be very effective in control increased dental anxiety. Oral sedation is basically sedation in pill form. The medication is taken one hour prior to the procedure or your dental visit. The medication will help relax your mind and significantly reduce your stress during the procedure as well.

People say they feel very happy and confident when they choose oral sedation dentistry. They usually drift in and out of consciousness and are always able to wake up in order to respond to their doctor’s questions and commands. At the same time, they feel completely worry-free and happy.

Our conscious sedation medications have almost no side effects. They are fast acting and they leave your body just as quickly. It is also unlikely that the medication we use will interact poorly with any other medicines that you are currently taking. You will need to have a driver to bring you to and from your appointment. This includes IV sedation as well, as you will need someone to escort you home from your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an inhaled gas composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Combined, this molecule helps patients relax as it produces both a sedative effect and analgesic effect for patients. Its name "laughing gas", was coined by Humphry Davy.  

IV Conscious Sedation: Intravenous sedation, also known as IV sedation or twilight sedation, is the main (and some say the best) form of conscious sedation in dentistry. It involves the insertion of a catheter inside a vein, where IV medication is infected either directly into an IV bag or straight into an IV line. There is a fine line between IV sedation and general anesthesia where an injection of too much medicine can induce a stronger form of sedation known as general anesthesia.

Difference between IV Sedation and General Anesthesia

The main difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia can be explained as follows. Patients under general anesthesia will lose complete consciousness during the procedure. This means that patients will not feel, hear or remember anything after the procedure. In order to achieve a complete loss of consciousness, a mixture of strong drugs at an elevated dose is needed.

In contrast, IV sedation is a state somewhere between being very sleepy, being relaxed in consciousness, but not yet unconscious. The patients may or may not feel pain during the procedure but can sense what is going on around them. The positive aspect of IV sedation is that in can be used for any dental procedure. Whether its complicated wisdom teeth extractions all the way to a simple dental cleaning.

As an advantage, the adverse effects that may be associated with general anesthesia are avoided with sedation. In addition, patients maintain their natural physiological reflexes and are capable of breathing on their own. Patients under general anesthesia must always have their airway closely monitored as breathing will be inhibited during the course of general anesthesia.

Medications Given During Sedation Dentistry

The following are medications that are given during oral or IV sedation and general anesthesia:

• Halcyon (Oral Medication)
• Valium (Diazepam – an oral medication)
• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
• Propofol (General Anesthetic)
• Fentanyl
• Midazolam (Versed)
• Ketamine

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can also save you money and time as it can help you avoid having to make multiple trips to your dentist. You will be able to have everything completed in one visit without having to return repeatedly. The wonderful thing about seeing a sedation dentist is that it allows for a faster recovery. Your dentist can perform treatment more quickly, so you have less time in the chair. Since your body and face are relaxed, there's little risk of strain to your jaw or neck, and reduced trauma to oral tissues. You can rest well following your appointment, and awake refreshed, without the fear of emotional trauma. Any healing typically occurs quickly, and the drugs wear off your body very rapidly.

A Heightened Demand Means More Risk

As the demand for dental sedation continues to climb, we need to make sure our dentists are adequately prepared to handle any complications that come out during a sedation-based procedure. Airway obstruction, medication overdose are just a few factors that dentists need to know how to handle properly before administering these agents. We need to continue and demand the best for our patients as their lives are literally in our hands during these dental appointments.

Final Thoughts

Many people experience intense fear and anxiety when thinking about a visit to their dentist. Sedation dentistry can help alleviate these fears and enable those who normally avoid the dentist to get the dental care they so desperately need. No procedure is out of bounds when it comes to be sedated at your dentist’s office.

Perhaps you have an unpleasant memory from when you were a child of an unprofessional dental clinician, or you may be somewhat embarrassed that you haven’t been keeping up with your regular checkups and cleanings. Experienced and compassionate sedation dentists around the country understand your concerns and can make your trip to the dentist office completely relaxing and stress-free with the use of sedation dentistry options like IV sedation or oral conscious sedation.