Sedation Dentistry: An Introduction

Sedation dentistry is a safe, beneficial and practical option that can benefit patients who face apprehension, fear, or anxiety of being at the dentist and cannot sit still for a long period.

Patients who do not get numb from aesthetics can also benefit from this branch of dentistry. 

Sedation dentistry is usually opted for by patients with a Bad gag reflex, over-sensitive teeth, time limitations, complicated dental issues and fear of needles and aversion to the sounds of the procedure.

The three main techniques of Sedation Dentistry are

1. Inhalation with Nitrous Oxide Gas
2. Oral Sedation is given as a pill
3. IV Sedation administered Intravenously

What are the Advantages of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry enables the doctor to perform various dental procedures safely and comfortably, especially for patients who suffer anxiety and restlessness during dental procedures. It also has several other benefits like:

• Lack of anxiety, apprehension and fear during the procedure
• No memory of having endured a complex and arduous procedure
• No feeling about the time spent during the procedure 
• Lack of perception of the smell or sound can be disturbing for many
• Allowing the dentist to complete the procedure faster
• An easy and comfortable way to experience and withstand dentistry.

What are the Risks or Complications of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is typically an extremely safe branch of dentistry when administered by a skilled and experienced dental surgeon.

However, every medical procedure always holds a potential risk of complications, however small it might be. The complications of sedation dentistry thought extremely rare include:

• Lasting sleepiness and fatigue.
• Dry mouth
• Nausea &  vomiting
• It May cause a headache
• IV may cause bruising  

The oral sedation medications have an unpredictable effect sometimes, causing an allergic reaction in some people. However, this is extremely rare.

Also Read: Sedation Dentistry- Types and Procedure

Sedation Dentistry for Children

Sedation dentistry is a perfectly safe option for children. It enables the children to withstand complicated treatments comfortably and with ease. 

The side effects of Child sedation dentistry are short-lived and may include:

• Grumpiness and irritability in the child
• Snoring
• Slight Fever 
• Nausea & Vomiting.

In some children, waking up after the Sedation is slower than in others. The team at Morgan Hill Dentistry is an expert in Sedation Dentistry & explains that the child is monitored at their dental office until they think it is safe for the child to be sent home. 

However, one must keep in mind that all the side effects discussed above are common and wear off on their own in a couple of days. 

Feel free to discuss the concerns with our dentists before your child undergoes Sedation Dentistry

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe in Pregnancy?

Sedation dentistry is normally not advised for women who are in a family way because a few sedative medications are known to hamper foetal growth and development. 

However, if necessary, Sedation Dentistry can be administered with Nitrous oxide during the second trimester. But it is best advised to wait till childbirth to conduct sedation dentistry.

What is the Recovery Period after Sedation Dentistry?

The type of sedation chosen and the reaction of the body to the medications decide the recovery time after sedation dentistry is conducted.

The patients who opt for nitrous oxide sedation typically recover within half an hour and can drive themselves home after the procedure is over.

But the patients who are given oral conscious sedation or IV sedation normally require about 24 hours of a recovery period. So they are advised to rest and avoid driving or to go back to work or school & handling any machinery.

Longer recovery time may be needed in some people and the dentist is the best person to guide you about what to expect after the procedure and the chances of complications if any.

It is imperative to mention here that one can resume eating and drinking shortly after the procedure. However, usually, the patients prefer to wait for the numbing effect of the anesthesia to wear off.

The ideal way to resume eating is to start with clear liquids and then take a smoothie or milkshake after some time. One can eat something heavier and substantial after a couple of hours depending upon how they feel.

Our team at Morgan Hill Dentistry provides the patient with proper postoperative guidelines with specific instructions about the types of food to avoid and the safe choices of eating. 

A Word from Morgan Hill Dentistry 

Sedation Dentistry is a very popular branch of dentistry that allows patients to endure complicated and painful procedures without any discomfort and anxiety. 

However, we recommend that you choose a dentist with ample training & experience in Sedation Dentistry.

This is the most important factor of any dental or medical procedure. Our team is proficient at the vigilant monitoring that is important and required in administering sedation.

Sufficient stock of ‘rescue drugs’ and monitoring of oxygen levels and heart rate carefully in moderate sedation is extremely vital.

An equipped provider can administer both deep sedation and general IV anesthesia while applying all the safety measures to avoid any complications.

The patients and attendants at Morgan Hill Dentistry are fully apprised of the hazards, advantages, options and alternatives to sedation dentistry.

A time of at least 24 hours is needed for the effects of Sedation to completely wear off. 

However, one should call the dentist immediately if they develop symptoms like nausea or vomiting, high fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.33 degrees Celsius, or no relief in pain despite medication. 

We want our patients to understand that apprehension or anxiety should not stop them from the treatment that they need.

Sedation Dentistry can help you get the care you need and deserve for your long-lasting oral health. 

So, if you have been delaying any necessary procedure due to anxiety and phobia, we are just an appointment away.