Sedation Dentist

Modern dentistry offers a variety of techniques to help patients stay comfortable during dental procedures. Learning more about these techniques can ease patients' concerns about the procedures they need. A sedation dentist uses medication to provide patients with a safe and comfortable dental care experience. Sedation can make necessary dental procedures much easier and is one of several options available to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist's office.

A sedation dentist is available at Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford and the surrounding area. If you need dental work but feel anxious about what it entails, discuss how sedation can address your concerns. A qualified dentist can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Call us at (928) 428-1617 to schedule an appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or an anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection to the affected area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.

Sedation for dental procedures can be mild, moderate, or deep. With mild sedation, most patients remain fairly alert but feel relaxed. Moderate sedation induces a deeper state of relaxation; patients undergoing it may not remember much of the procedure. Patients under deep sedation are still conscious but become drowsy and detached from their surroundings.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or fear, have a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or need extensive dental work. It can also be beneficial for those who have difficulty sitting still for a long time or have sensitive teeth.

In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. Sedation helps alleviate fear, ensuring that patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can get the care they need comfortably.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during the procedure. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or an anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection to the affected area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.

Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

There are several types of medications potentially used in dental sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Administered via a mask, this provides minimal sedation and wears off quickly.
• Oral Sedation: A pill taken before the procedure to help you relax, which ranges from minimal to moderate sedation based on the dosage.
• IV Sedation: Administered intravenously for moderate to deep sedation. This allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
• General Anesthesia: Usually inhaled or administered through an IV, used for more severe procedures where the patient needs to be completely unconscious.

Treatments That Require Sedation

A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during procedures such as:

• Cavity Fillings
• Tooth Extractions
• Root Canal Treatments
• Dental Crowns and Bridges
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Oral Surgeries (e.g., bone grafts, corrective jaw surgery)

Several medications are potentially used in dental sedation, and they can be given as a pill or administered intravenously. For minimal sedation, patients may receive gas inhaled through a mask, which wears off quickly. The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, tolerance, and any conditions or illnesses they may have.

Local anesthesia is typically administered for minor restorative procedures such as cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, dental crown placement, and scaling and root planing. General anesthesia, usually inhaled or administered through an IV, is used for more severe procedures. It is commonly used for bone grafts, corrective jaw surgery, general tooth extractions, oral cancer surgery, sleep apnea surgery, cosmetic dental procedures, and cleft lip/palate surgery.

“The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, their tolerance, and conditions or illnesses they may have.”

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.

Candidates for sedation include patients who suffer from nervousness and those who have difficulty sitting for long periods. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for an extended period with minimal movement, which can be challenging for certain individuals. Issues such as a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold can also make sedation beneficial.
“Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need.”

What Happens After Sedation Dentistry?

After a procedure involving sedation, patients may feel groggy or dizzy for a few hours. It is essential to have a responsible adult accompany you home, especially if moderate to deep sedation was used. Most patients can resume normal activities, like work or school, the next day, but driving is usually not advised until the effects of the sedation have entirely worn off.

Preparing for a Sedation Procedure

Sedation can help patients get through most types of dental procedures. Preparation is key to making things go smoothly. Taking the following steps can help patients get the dental care they need with minimal pain and anxiety:

1. Discuss Sedation Options: A sedation dentist may use several types of medication. Different dosages can control the strength of the sedation. Patients should also tell the dentist about their preferences; for example, a patient who dislikes needles may benefit from oral or inhaled sedation instead of having an IV.
2. Review Medical History: Ensure the dentist is aware of any medical conditions or allergies. Some medical conditions or medications may interact negatively with some sedation components. It is important for the dentist to have all relevant information to administer sedation properly.
3. Go over the information with the sedation dentist: A sedation dentist typically provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for a procedure under sedation and what to do afterward. It is important to follow these recommendations correctly for optimal comfort and safety. Be sure to ask questions if any instructions are unclear.
4. Make arrangements for getting home: Patients undergoing most types of sedation are advised to arrange for a ride home. The effects of sedation can linger for some time and can include drowsiness or dizziness. With certain types, it may be safe for the patient to go home on their own shortly after the procedure. The California Dental Association notes that the mild effects of nitrous oxide typically last for about 15 minutes after the procedure.

“Preparation is key to making things go smoothly.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. Minimal sedation allows you to recover within minutes to a few hours, while moderate to deep sedation may require a full day.

Q: When can I go back to work or school?
A: Most patients can return to work or school the day after their procedure.

Q: When can I drive?
A: It is generally advised not to drive until the sedation has completely worn off, usually 24 hours after moderate or deep sedation.

Q: When should I see my healthcare provider after surgery?
A: Follow-up appointments depend on the procedure and the dentist's recommendations. Always contact your provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Q. Which procedures can a sedation dentist help with?

A. Sedation can help with most dental procedures, including fillings. Based on the length of the procedure and other factors, a dentist can recommend an optimal approach for individual patients. Even routine procedures can cause anxiety for some, so sedation is a great option for allaying it.

Q. Can I eat or drink before my appointment with a sedation dentist?

A. Generally, dentists recommend avoiding solid foods and any dairy for at least six hours before the appointment. One should stop drinking liquids at least two hours prior to the procedure. However, the instructions for a specific patient may differ based on the type of sedation and other factors, so it is important to ask the dentist.

Q. Are there any side effects of sedation dentistry?

A. Dentists determine the optimally safe dosage and type of sedation for each patient. There are typically no lasting side effects. However, patients may feel dizzy, drowsy, or nauseous for up to four hours after the procedure. These effects can vary.

Q. What should I wear to a sedation dentistry appointment?

A. It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Dressing in layers can help patients stay warm, as body temperature can drop under sedation. Dentists recommend avoiding large amounts of accessories.

Q. Can I take my regular medications before and after a sedation dentistry procedure?

A. In most cases, one should take medications as usual. It is important to let the dentist know about all medications you take. The dentist can then let you know if any changes are necessary on the day of the procedure.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Why Choose Desert Bloom Dentistry?

At Desert Bloom Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Dr. Layton and our team are committed to building lifelong relationships with our patients and their families. Experience why many consider us the best sedation dentist near Safford. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (928) 428-1617.