
Feb
Many people are afraid to go to the dentist because of the fear of experiencing pain during the whole process. Because of this, many people go on with their lives with painful toothaches since the thought of entering a dentist office scares them. The solution for this is sedation. Dental offices offer some sedation dentists to people who have fear of experiencing pain during dental procedures. Even if people experience anxiety they have a solution to this too.
Sedation dentists give patients who have the fear of experiencing pain during dental procedures. There are four levels of sedations for patients who will have a hard time going through the procedure.
Inhaled minimal sedation. Patients will breathe in nitrous oxide – also known as “laughing gas” – it is combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over the patient’s nose which will make the patient relax during the procedure. Though dentists control the amount of gas that the patient is receiving, it will wear off quickly. This kind of sedation is the only way to allow patients to drive back home or to work after the procedure is done.
Oral sedation. Oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the amount of sedation the dentist gives to the patient. Dentists give their patients a pill called Halcion, when patients are undergoing a minimal sedation procedure. It usually takes an hour for the effect from the pill to kick in. The pill will make patients drowsy, though the patient will still be awake. Larger doses may be given in order for a moderate procedure to take effect. Moderate sedation is a type of procedure that is associated with sedation dentistry. Some patients may become groggy from the moderate oral sedation to the point where they actually fall asleep. Though they usually can be awakened with a gentle shake.
IV moderate sedation. Patients will receive this form of sedation through the vein in order for the patients to be sedated. Dentists are able to continually adjust the amount of sedation the patient receives.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia. Patients will be unconscious or deeply asleep when the patient has received the medication. This form of sedation give patients a harder time to be awakened until the effects from the anesthesia wears off or reversed with medication.
Sedation is usually giving to patients that have real fear or anxiety that prevents them from going to the dentist.
Sedation dentistry may be appropriate for people:
There are times when children are given sedations if they have a fear of going to the dentist or refuse to cooperate with the dentist during the visit. Nitrous oxide is usually safe for any children; practically any dentist can administer the sedation. Though a small percentage of pediatric dentists are trained to give children oral sedation, oral sedation can be safe when for children when it is kept within the recommended dose depending on the age and weight of the child.
Many dentists can give patients minimal sedation, like pills or nitrous oxide for example while a higher number of dentists can give patients a moderate sedation. However, only a small percentage of dentists that has completed the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program. Usually, these dentists are oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists. Dentist anesthesiologists are trained to give all levels of sedation and anesthesia to both children and adults.
Although it is usually safe, when given by experienced dentists, there is always a risk. Some people who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea must talk to their doctor before receiving a sedative process since; they are usually more likely to have complications from anesthesia.