Sedation during dental treatment helps you feel relaxed, comfortable, and relaxed during the dental procedure. It’s a moderate level of sedation, so you’re still technically awake but it feels a bit uninteresting. It is sometimes called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” because it creates a state of short-term amnesia (forgetting) where you feel a sense of insensitivity of pain without loss of consciousness.
Who needs sedation dentistry?
People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. Dentists often recommend this option for those with:
People of all ages can benefit from sedation, including children. Dentists often recommend this option for people who have:
- Dental anxiety.
- A fear of visiting the dentist.
- An overly sensitive gag reflex.
- A fear of needles.
- Extreme tooth sensitivity.
- Feelings of claustrophobia in the dental chair.
- Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia.
- Difficulty controlling movements.
- Special needs – physical, cognitive, or behavioral.
What types of sedation are used in dentistry?
There are different levels of sedation depending on your unique needs. Factors include your anxiety level, your procedure length, your medical history, and your preferences. Common forms of anesthesia include nitrous oxide, oral anesthesia, and intravenous (IV) stimulation.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly known as “laughing gas.” You inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, and calming effects begin within three to five minutes. Your dentist controls the amount of sedation you receive and adjusts dosages accordingly throughout your procedure. Once your treatment is over, your dentist gives you pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide out of your system. Because the laughing gas leaves your system so quickly, you’ll be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is often called “laughing gas”. You inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or inhaler, and the calming effect starts within three to five minutes. Your dentist controls the amount of of relaxation you receive and adjusts the doses that are consistent
with your entire procedure. After your treatment, your dentist gives you pure oxygen to flush nitrous oxide out of your system. Because laughing gas leaves your system quickly, you can drive home after the procedure.
Oral conscious sedation
With oral conscious sedation, your dentist gives you a sedative (usually in pill form) about an hour before your procedure. Many dentists use triazolam (Halcion®), which is from the diazepam family. But your dentist may also use other medications, including zaleplon and lorazepam. Dentists often use liquid sedation in children’s clinics, such as midazolam syrup.
Oral sedation makes you quite groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary, and you’ll awaken with a gentle nudge. Because oral sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.
This method can make you sleepy. But you will still be able to talk to your dentist if necessary, and they can gently nudge you awake. Because sedation therapy temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you may need a friend or family member to drive you home after your session.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
IV sedation dentistry is the deepest form of conscious sedation available in a dental office setting. Your healthcare provider delivers sedative medications directly to your bloodstream through an IV line. During your procedure, your dentist monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They can adjust your dosage at any point and can use reversal medications if necessary. Most people who receive IV sedation dentistry fall asleep and have little to no memory of their treatment when they wake up. This option is best for people with severe dental anxiety or those who are undergoing lengthy procedures.
Intravenous (IV) sedation dentistry is the most advanced type of massage available in the dental office. Your healthcare provider administers prescription drugs directly into your bloodstream through a vein. During your procedure, your dentist monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They can adjust your dosage at any time and can use an antidote if necessary. Many people who receive IV sedation dental treatment fall asleep and have little or no memory of their treatment when they wake up. This option is best for people with high dental anxiety or those who are doing long procedures.
If you are looking for an excellent dentist in the Lafayette area, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gordon West at Boulder County Smiles. At Boulder County Smiles, we provide gentle, quality care for children and adults. Talk to us about sedation dentistry. We look forward to serving you.
Contact Boulder County Smiles:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026
