Sedation is available to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are various types of sedation dentistry, and a dentist helps you determine which one is suitable for you. Steele Oral Surgery makes sure patients are properly prepared for a procedure by discussing the process. Here is more information on how to discuss sedation options with your dentist:
Ask About Sedation Types
If you are preparing to undergo a dental procedure, you can ask the dentist to review the different types of sedation dentistry and how they work. These range from mild to deep forms of sedation. Sedation types include:
- Nitrous oxide: This is a sedative that is administered through a nasal mask. It allows you to remain responsive during the procedure and produces a calm or euphoric effect.
- Oral conscious sedation: With oral conscious sedation, patients simply take a pill the day of the surgery. It offers moderate sedation while allowing you to follow instructions during treatment.
- IV sedation: IV sedation is beneficial for patients who have trouble sitting still during procedures, as it sends patients into a deeper state of relaxation. It is administered into the bloodstream intravenously.
- General anesthesia: Patients who receive general anesthesia are unconscious during the procedure, allowing them not to feel any of the sensations of treatment. This is either administered through a mask or an IV.
You and your oral surgeon can go over what type of sedation is appropriate for your level of procedure. Nitrous oxide is used for simpler procedures, and oral conscious sedation is helpful if you are receiving multiple treatments during your visit. IV and general sedation may be needed for longer or more complicated procedures. Our team makes sure you are safe during your treatment by adjusting the levels of nitrous oxide as needed and monitoring your vitals during IV sedation.
Review Preexisting Health Conditions
If you have any medical conditions that make receiving dental treatments harder, discuss them with your dentist. Sedation dentistry may be helpful for people who have stronger gag reflexes, experience difficulty becoming numb with local anesthesia, or have a disability that makes it hard to sit still for extended amounts of time. IV sedation is beneficial for patients who have TMJ disorder or other conditions that interfere with keeping the mouth open.
To make sure you are a candidate for a specific type of sedation, such as IV sedation, go over your health history with the dental team. Discuss what medications you are currently taking. Expectant mothers, patients with asthma, or people with allergies may need to find alternatives to utilizing nitrous oxide. General anesthesia is safe for most people; this includes those with more intense health conditions.
Discuss Preparation and Aftereffects
Ask the dentist or oral surgeon about how to prepare for sedation. Having more information about the effects allows you to make the appropriate arrangements ahead of time. Oral conscious sedation requires you to take the pill before your visit. Nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia are performed in the office. Some forms of sedation, such as IV and general anesthesia, may take longer to wear off. General anesthesia requires fasting after midnight the day of the surgery. We offer a form with instructions for how to prepare for general anesthesia. Have someone give you a ride to or from your appointment as needed, and take the rest of the day to recover from moderate or deeper forms of sedation.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation can make it easier for you, your child, or another family member to undergo emergency or restorative dental care. Our oral surgeon and team at Steele Oral Surgery perform dental implant treatments, including implant dentures, and oral surgeries, such as wisdom teeth extractions. New patient paperwork is available on our website; to receive a consultation and learn more about sedation dentistry, complete our online form today.
