Sedation Dentistry

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves administering specific drugs to increase patient comfort during various dental procedures. This practice is a type of conscious sedation, where the patient remains aware but is less conscious of their surroundings. Sedation Dentistry involves several types of sedative medications that offer various degrees of relaxation.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Swdation dentistry is a safe procedure that patients of all ages can benefit from. Sedation dentistry is beneficial in the following cases:

1. Patients have severe anxiety from dental work.
2. Patients who have developed a phobia of dentists.
3. Children, to increase their cooperation.
4. Patients undergoing lengthy procedures.
5. Patients with a gag reflex.
6. Patients with a fear of needles.
7. Patients with special needs.

Types Of Sedation Dentistry at Dulwich Dental Office

Dulwich Dental Office offers various sedation solutions to guarantee its patients a comfortable dental experience. There are several types of sedation solutions; the selection depends on several factors, including the length of treatment, patient preference, and degree of anxiety.

Several sedation dentistry solutions are available, depending on the route of administration, including:

1. Inhalation sedation

Inhalation sedation takes place by putting a mask to inhale the sedation gas. The gas used for inhalation sedation is called nitrous oxide or laughing gas. The effect of nitrous gas sedation is fast and takes place within 3-5 minutes. The nitrous oxide is supplied until the procedure finishes, then oxygen is pumped to flush the nitrous oxide from your system. You can easily continue your daily activities after leaving our clinic without any restrictions.

2. Oral sedation

Oral sedation involves the administration of a sedative pill to provide the relaxation effect. The oral sedative drug takes some time to get out of the system, so it provides a longer effect; however, you may not be fully aware, so it is better to arrange a ride to take you home. Oral sedative drugs can be administered as pills, such as Triazolam, or syrup for children as Midazolam.

3. Intravenous sedation

It provides the deepest sedation effect among the three types. The sedative drug is injected directly into the bloodstream using a cannula. The effect is fast and very deep so that you may fall asleep and wake up with no memory of the procedure. It is used only in severely anxious patients during lengthy procedures to offer the maximum comfort. The intravenous sedation requires close monitoring of the vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, during the procedure.

Sedation Vs. General Anaesthesia

The key difference between sedation and general anaesthesia is the level of consciousness. Sedation involves a conscious state where you are aware of your surroundings, but at a reduced level of consciousness that may allow you to drift into a light sleep. It is used to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during a dental procedure at the clinic, without the need for machines to support your bodily functions. The recovery time from sedation is shorter compared to general anaesthesia.

General anaesthesia is a state of unconsciousness, where you lose awareness and enter a deep sleep. Its administration is used in dentistry for invasive and lengthy procedures, such as orthognathic surgeries, and for patients who do not tolerate local anaesthesia or cannot remain still. Its administration requires hospitalisation, as you may need devices to assist with breathing while under the effects of general anaesthesia.

Children and Sedation Dentistry

A dental visit can be an overwhelming experience for children, especially those with autism or special needs. The noise they hear from the dental equipment, the fear of needles, some smells, the bright light, and the tooth pain can trigger pain and anxiety in children that can cause a panic attack, making it very difficult to keep them calm and cooperative during dental treatment.

Dental sedation is a magic tool that can help children enjoy a comfortable dental experience and can be quite enough for the dentist to accomplish the work effectively.

Nitrous oxide, or inhalation sedation, is the most common type of sedation used for children. Although side effects are rare, your child may experience nausea, vomiting, shivering, or sweating, which typically resolve shortly after the sedation effect wears off. Sedation provides a significant advantage for children, as it removes the need for general anaesthesia, the only option previously available for performing necessary dental work on those who cannot remain still. With sedation, children are comfortable enough for more dental work to be completed in a single visit.

Pregnancy and Sedation Dentistry

Pregnancy is accompanied by a hormonal surge in the body that can lead to dental problems, such as pregnancy gingivitis. The golden rule is to wait until delivery to do any unnecessary dental work. But what if it can’t wait?

The second trimester is considered the safest period to perform any necessary dental work, because during the first trimester fetal development may be affected, and during the third trimester, there is a risk of preterm labor.

Sedation dentistry is offered for pregnant women only during the second trimester and with limited use in case of severe anxiety to avoid overstress and to provide a comfortable experience that is important for you and your fetus’s well-being. In general, nitrous oxide in controlled amounts, in conjunction with local anaesthetic, is considered the safest way for a pain-free dental procedure during pregnancy.

Trust our dental experts at Dulwich Dental Office to choose the safest sedation solution for you and your baby.

Preparation For Sedation

During your initial consultation, our expert team gathers all the medical and dental history data to create the ideal treatment plan. During this visit, you will be asked about your treatment expectations and preferences. If you have any anxiety or fears regarding dental treatment, let our experts know so they can include our top-rated sedation solutions in your treatment plan.

Several factors will determine the most appropriate types of sedation solutions, such as your level of anxiety, the nature of the procedure, its duration, and your medical condition. After selecting the most appropriate sedation option, they will calculate the amount of sedation you should receive.

At the end of your consultation visit, you will receive a list of preparations to follow before your procedure if you will be receiving sedation. Oral sedation and inhalation sedation have fewer instructions to follow, while intravenous sedation comes with more stringent recommendations.

The pre-sedation instructions include:

1. Do not eat anything six hours before your appointment.
2. Stay hydrated. You can drink clear fluids until 2 hours before your appointment.
3. Take all your daily medications normally unless advised otherwise.
4. Refrain from smoking 24 hours before your surgery or alcohol intake for 48 hours.
5. If you plan to receive intravenous or oral sedation, make sure to arrange a drive home after your visit, as it is not safe to drive.
6. Remove nail polish or artificial nails as they can interfere with monitoring equipment.

Recovery After Sedation

Recovery after sedation is generally smooth and has few precautions, especially if you receive nitrous oxide sedation. In contrast, oral and intravenous sedation may involve some safety measures. The sedative effects of intravenous sedation may extend for several hours, while the effects of nitrous oxide wear off immediately after the gas supply is stopped, requiring a few minutes of oxygen administration.

Recovery instructions following sedation may include:

1. Arrange for a ride home and do not attempt to drive.
2. If you receive intravenous sedation, avoid breastfeeding for the first 24 hours.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
6. Continue to take your medication as usual.

Complications Of Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation is generally a safe procedure; however, it may come with minor side effects. The risks of dental sedation depend on several factors, including the type of sedation, the existence of medical conditions, and if you are certain medications that increase the sedation risks.

The complications of sedation may include:

• Lightheadedness or drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Allergy
• Bruising from the intravenous canula

The complications of dental sedation can be dramatically decreased by choosing an expert dental professional, disclosing your medical history during the consultation visit, and following the pre- and post-operative instructions explained by our dental professionals.