Sedation dentistry isn’t something that many people have come across, yet it has the ability to revolutionize your dental care. This is because sedation dentistry makes it possible for people who, due to disability or dental phobia, might not otherwise normally be able to tolerate dental appointments, be able to receive the quality dental care that they deserve. The increased accessibility of sedation dentistry means that it is now widely available, meaning that more people than ever can benefit from this valuable resource.
 

What is sedation dentistry and how does it work?

Sedation dentistry is the name given to the use of sedative drugs provided with the aim of enabling an anxious or physically or cognitively impaired patient to tolerate a dental appointment. This could be anything from a routine check-up to an invasive and quite stressful procedure.

There are multiple types of sedation available. Which type your dentist will recommend for you will depend on various factors, including the extent of your fear or disability, and the type of appointment that you need to attend. You may find that you need different types of sedation for different types of appointment. For example, if you are having a basic check-up, you will probably only need and be offered the mildest form of sedation. Meanwhile, if you are told you need a root canal or another invasive treatment, you may be offered moderate or deep sedation.

Types of sedation include:

-         nitrous oxide: the mildest form of sedation that leaves you fully awake and aware, but calm and relaxed.

-         oral medications are taken an hour before your procedure: moderate sedation where you have limited awareness.

-         intravenous drugs: the deepest sedation before a general anesthetic and you will have little to no awareness of what is happening around you.

The deeper the degree of sedation you need, the longer it will take for the effects to wear off. In the case of nitrous oxide, the effects wear off virtually instantly, whereas it can take up to 24 hours for the effects of deeper sedation to fully disappear. You will be given specific instructions for what you can expect in the hours after your procedure which will include information about coming around from the sedation
 

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is normally recommended for two different types of patient. These are:

Patients with dental anxiety/phobia

Fear of the dentist is an extremely common problem but avoiding visits can spell disaster for your oral health, the appearance of your smile and even your general wellbeing since patients with bad teeth are more likely to experience other chronic health issues. There are lots of reasons why people develop a fear of the dentist. Maybe you had a bad experience in the past, or maybe the reputation of certain dental procedures have you filled with anxiety. Whatever is causing your fear, chances are you will experience physical and psychological symptoms associated with it, including shaking, sweating, a rapid heartbeat and nausea or vomiting.

Dental check-ups are an integral part of your preventative care and by avoiding them, you could be putting your teeth and oral health at unnecessary risk. Dental problems that are preventable and that could cause irreparable damage to your smile are routinely detected at check-ups, so if you are missing yours, be sure to ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. By diagnosing and treating dental issues early, you and your dentist can prevent them from needing extensive and expensive procedures.

Patients with cognitive or physical disabilities

Sitting still in a chair is something that many of us take for granted, but for some patients with physical or cognitive disabilities, it is completely impossible. There are lots of different types of disabilities and they can impact us in very different ways. For many people, their disability means that they are

physically unable to remain still, while others might lack the understanding of how to do so or why it is so important. Likewise, the patient must be able to hold their mouth open and follow the instructions given by their dentist. Being able to comply with these instructions is a fundamental part of a dental appointment since dentistry involves very small and sharp instruments and any unexpected movements could cause an accident or injury to you or your dentist. Sedative medications make it possible for patients with disabilities that might otherwise prevent them from receiving dental treatments to receive the care that they are entitled to and that will help them to remain healthy, functional teeth for the foreseeable future.      

If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry, our team would be happy to assess your suitability. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.