What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is beneficial for people with dental anxiety as it keeps you comfortable during dental procedures. It is performed for those patients who are undergoing lengthy treatments to make them feel calm, relaxed, and at ease. 

Sedation dentistry creates a state of short-term forgetfulness. Without losing consciousness, the patient experiences insensitivity to pain. 

Who Needs It?

Sedation dentistry is beneficial to people of all ages, including children. Dentists often recommend this option for the following: 

• People with dental anxiety
• People who get scared when seeing needles 
• Those who fear visiting the dentist
• Patients with extreme sensitivity to teeth 
• An overly sensitive gag reflex 

Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

Based on the needs of the patient, there are varying levels of sedation dentistry. The factors in choosing the type of sedation include:

• The level of anxiety of the patient
• Health history of the patient
• Length of the procedure

The following are the most common types of sedation used in dentistry: 

• Inhaled Minimal Sedation

The patient inhales nitrous oxide through a mask that is placed over the nose. Within three to five minutes, the calming effects will make the patient feel relaxed. The dentist would adjust the dosage according to the type of the treatment. 

The dentist gives oxygen after the treatment to flush the nitrous oxide out of the system. It is the only type of sedation that allows the patient to drive home themselves as the oxide leaves the patient's system quickly. 

• Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation ranges from minimal to moderate depending on the dose given by the dentist. The patient takes a pill for minimal sedation. It is taken about an hour before the procedure begins. Though the patient would still be awake, the pill makes them drowsy. 

To produce moderate sedation, the dentist gives a larger dose. Some people become groggy and some may even fall asleep during the procedure. The patient would still be able to communicate with the dentist. 

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation 

The sedative drug works more quickly as the patient receives it through the vein. It is the deepest form of conscious sedation and the dentist can adjust the dosage at any point. Most people fall asleep after the sedation and therefore this option is best for people with severe dental anxiety. 

The dentist at Vose Family Dentistry can determine the sedation option that works for you. Visit us at 220 E Main St., Mankato, MN 56001. Contact us at (507) 387-2255 or visit our website for booking an appointment with us.