Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo complex procedures without pain, stress, or discomfort. There are several kinds of sedation that modern medicine can offer. But which dental procedures require sedation? Read on to learn more about sedation dentistry.
Which Dental Procedures Require Sedation?
In general, sedation might be required for dental procedures that are long or complicated. In such cases, sedation will ensure that the patient remains still during the procedure and allow more precision and convenience to the doctor. Additionally, sedation will eliminate the stress and strain the patient might experience during the procedure.
Procedures that might require sedation include:
Dental Implant Surgery
During dental implant surgery, a metal post is placed directly into the jawbone of a patient. This procedure requires precision; therefore, your doctor might recommend sedation to keep you still.
Tooth Extraction
In most cases, tooth extraction does not require sedation and can be performed with just a local anesthetic. However, there are cases when sedation is necessary, for example, when the position of the roots of a tooth is located close to a nerve and requires minute precision. Your doctor might also recommend sedation if the surgery is to be performed on multiple teeth and the procedure will be lengthy.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the gums and placing a graft in places where the jawbone requires regeneration. It can be performed in preparation for dental implants or as a step in gum disease treatment. Similarly to tooth extraction, bone grafting can require sedation if the procedure is complicated and lengthy.
Some Dental Emergency Procedures
Some accidents might result in extensive oral trauma, including lacerations, broken facial bones and jaw, and multiple teeth being knocked out. In such cases, your dentist can recommend sedation because the procedures to repair these are complex and involve multiple steps.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows the patient and the doctor to have a convenient and stress-free procedure by using sedatives. As previously mentioned, only complicated and lengthy dental procedures typically require sedation. However, sedation dentistry can also be helpful to the following groups of patients:
- Patients who experience acute anxiety due to an upcoming procedure
- Patience with a low pain tolerance
- Patients with high tolerance to local anesthetic
- Patients with a reactive gag reflex
- Patients who find it challenging to remain in one position for an extended period
What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?
During the initial consultation, your doctor will choose the type of sedation that is most suitable for your needs. Factors like general and heart health, as well as the length and complexity of the procedure, will be taken into account when choosing the appropriate type of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also commonly known as “laughing gas,” is used in combination with oxygen. A patient inhales the gas through a special mask. It is an effective and safe sedative and is often used in pediatric dentistry. However, nitrous oxide itself does not provide sufficient pain relief, so it is usually used in combination with a local anesthetic.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is usually a pill that is administered to the patient through the mouth. Oral sedation is typically moderate but is still effective at helping the patient maintain calm and relaxed during the procedure.
IV Sedation
Typically, IV sedation does not put the patient to sleep. However, it helps the patient fully relax and feel calm during the procedure. You will likely feel less aware of your surroundings and the specific events of the procedure but will still be able to cooperate with your doctor if needed.
IV sedation works almost immediately after it is administered, and the dose can be adjusted during the procedure depending on the patient’s needs.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is administered through a vein and puts the patient into a deep sleep. With this type of sedation, the patient is not aware of the surroundings and does not feel any pain. After the procedure, most patients do not have any memory of it. General anesthesia can put more strain on the body than other types of sedation. You will need to consult a cardiologist and your doctor to decide if this type of sedation is right for you.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a reliable dentist in Calabasas today. At the TruGlo Calabasas dental office, we offer a wide range of services, including sedation dentistry. We look forward to making your dental visit simple and convenient.
