Four Reasons to Choose Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to dental or oral surgical procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction, performed while the patient is under the effects of anesthesia. This method of treatment offers several benefits for both the patient and the oral surgeon, and it is an important factor to consider when undergoing any dental procedure.

1.    Less Discomfort

Before your procedure, you will be administered a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. However, it is common to experience muscle tension in the dental chair. This can lead to increased discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. If you are sensitive to pain or have a strong gag reflex, sedation dentistry may be recommended to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. Sedation helps minimize discomfort both during and after your oral surgery, making it an ideal option for those seeking pain-free dentistry or oral surgery.

2.    Reduces Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety and phobia are common among patients undergoing dental or oral surgery procedures. In fact, over half of all patients in the U.S. report feeling some form of dental anxiety. This can lead to delaying necessary treatments and potentially worsening oral health issues.

To alleviate this, sedation dentistry is available to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their procedure. This allows the oral surgeon to perform the treatment without causing additional stress or anxiety. By using proper sedation techniques, patients can feel calm before, during, and after the surgery. This reduces the likelihood of canceling the procedure and ensures a more relaxed and comfortable experience overall. Instead of avoiding necessary treatment due to anxiety, sedation dentistry allows for prompt and stress-free restoration of oral health.

3.    Dental Sedation is Safe & Effective

Dentists and oral surgeons are trained in the safe and effective use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation to help patients relax during minor procedures. The chosen form of sedation will be used according to the oral surgeon’s instructions, and patients are closely monitored by trained support staff at all times. If nitrous oxide is used, its effects will fully wear off within a few minutes. IV sedation and general anesthesia may take a few hours to fully recover from, but a good night’s sleep will ensure complete recovery. There are no long-term effects from the different forms of sedation dentistry.

4.    There are Different Sedation Levels

Not all patients desire to be conscious during dental procedures, but all patients strive for a pain-free experience. A sedation dentist or oral surgeon is skilled in selecting and administering the appropriate level of sedation, based on factors such as the type of procedure, the patient’s anxiety level, and pain tolerance.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, represents the least intense form of sedation. It reduces pain perception, and its effects wear off quickly. During the procedure, patients will feel relaxed and in some cases experience lightheartedness, while remaining conscious.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Your oral surgeon may prescribe an anxiety medication to be taken approximately an hour before the procedure, resulting in a relaxed and drowsy state during the treatment.

IV Sedation

This form of sedation is referred to as Twilight Sleep and is delivered via an IV line in the arm. The medication creates a state of relaxation, comfort, and calmness, with the potential for drifting in and out of sleep. The level of anesthesia is meticulously regulated through a continuously administered flow of medication during the surgery.

Deep Conscious Sedation

Deep conscious sedation, which is similar to general anesthesia, is delivered via an IV line in the arm. During this form of sedation, patients will lose consciousness and remain unconscious until the procedure is completed, without having any recollection of the procedure. This level of sedation is typically used for procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implant surgery, and complex maxillofacial surgeries.

Our practice takes a personalized approach to patient care and will thoroughly review all available options and answer any questions during the planning of a procedure. If you require oral surgery and have concerns regarding pain or anxiety, please reach out to us to learn more about our sedation dentistry options.