Sedation dentistry focuses on relieving pain and anxiety through pharmacological interventions. It provides a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for dental patients. The dentist calms down the patient and allows them to relax using medication. Patients with phobia and anxiety due to bad experiences can receive the oral care they need. They no longer need to miss dental appointments.

There are different types of sedation dentistry. Each of them depends on your medical history and the procedure you need to undergo. They include:

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

The administration of the gas is through inhalation using a mask or nosepiece. It will calm you within three to five minutes. The dentist keeps an eye on the levels and dosages you receive throughout the procedure. They also adjust them accordingly.

Once the treatment is over, the doctor flushes out the nitrous oxide using pure oxygen. It flushes out of your system so quickly that you can drive yourself home after the procedure.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation begins an hour before the procedure. The medication the doctor uses will depend on your medical history. It will also consider the treatment you are receiving. Children will mostly receive liquid sedation, while adults take tablets.

Oral sedation can disorient you, and you may even fall asleep. If the dentist needs to communicate with you, they may give you a slight nudge to wake you. Oral sedation can affect your memory and motor skills. Hence, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation is the highest form of sedation you can receive. The dentist administers the medication directly into your bloodstream using an IV line. They will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. If there is a problem with any of the above, they will adjust the dosage or reverse the medication.

Most patients who receive intravenous sedation fall asleep. They also have no memory of the procedure when they wake up. The option works best with people who have severe anxiety and phobia of dental procedures. Dentists also use it when you need to undergo lengthy treatment. Remember to arrange for someone to drive you home since the sedation affects your memory and motor skills.

What About General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious. Your dentist must have the skills and training to administer it to avoid complications. In most cases, an anesthesiologist will administer this medication. It works best when treating people who have severe anxiety or phobia.

Conclusion

There are different levels of sedation dentistry that you can experience from the different types of sedation. There is minimal sedation, where the medication relaxes you while awake. There is also moderate sedation, where you may slur your words and not remember the whole procedure.

The first two may apply when using nitrous oxide or oral sedation. There is also deep sedation. It is where you are on the edge of consciousness, but the doctor can still wake you. It is common when using intravenous and sometimes oral sedation.

For more information on the types of sedation in dentistry, visit btyDENTAL at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can call (907) 333-6666 today to schedule an appointment.