Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective way to help you get through dental treatment. Several types of sedation are available, including oral and inhaled (laughing gas) sedation.
General anesthesia puts you to sleep during the entire appointment and makes it very unlikely that you’ll remember anything about the visit. This option is typically only used for complex or invasive procedures.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the highest level of sedation dentistry available and is often used for patients with very severe dental anxiety. A trained oral surgeon can administer this sedation using an intravenous line that is placed in the arm or hand. Known as “twilight sleep,” this form of sedation is effective and helps reduce anxiety by keeping the patient calm and comfortable. It also has an amnesic effect which means the patient will not remember anything about their treatment.
The sedative medication is administered directly into the bloodstream so it takes effect rapidly. This method is most commonly used for very long procedures or for complex cases. Because this type of sedation makes you drowsy, it is necessary to have someone drive you home after your treatment and it may take a while for the drowsiness to wear off. Taking it easy the rest of the day is recommended to allow your body to recover.
Oral Sedation
If you have mild anxiety or fear about dental work, oral sedation is an option that can help. You take a pill about an hour before the procedure that will make you drowsy, although you will still be awake. Depending on the dosage, this can range from minimal to moderate sedation. This is one of the safest types of sedation and is very effective for patients who have mild anxiety.
It allows us to perform multiple procedures in a single visit, eliminating the need for repeated appointments and further lowering stress levels. This method also works to minimize gag reflexes and reduce discomfort during treatment. Combined with local anesthesia, it ensures pain-free treatment by dulling sensitivity to pain and noise.
You will need someone to drive you home, and you will likely feel sluggish until the effects of the sedative wear off. Make sure to let your dentist know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medications that may interact with the sedative.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a sweet-smelling, nonirritating, colorless gas you can breathe. It has been used for years as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety, elevate mood and decrease pain, tingling and numbness. It is often combined with oxygen for partial sedation, especially in young children. It is one of the safest short-acting sedatives available.
Unlike other sedatives, nitrous oxide does not induce sleepiness and will allow you to stay awake and alert during your visit. However, it is important to know that you will require a ride to and from the dental appointment and should not drive yourself. Following nitrous oxide cessation, the concentration gradient between the lung and alveolar circulation reverses rapidly, leading to rapid oxygen dilution in the alveoli and subsequent hypoxia. 100% oxygen administration should therefore follow promptly upon nitrous oxide discontinuation. This consultation seeks views on whether a new licensing regime should be introduced to control the import, export, production and supply of nitrous oxide, with exemptions for use in healthcare.
Sleep Dentistry
Often, dental anxiety causes patients to avoid necessary procedures. This can lead to further oral health problems, and in some cases even life-threatening issues. Laguna Hills sedation dentistry allows these patients to get the care they need to maintain a brighter, healthier Smile.
With intravenous (IV) sedation, also known as “twilight sleep,” you will feel comfortable, calm and relaxed during your treatment. IV sedation is ideal for patients with high levels of anxiety or those who need extensive work done on their teeth.
When administered by a trained and experienced dentist, sedation is considered safe. Your dentist will review your medical history and select the most appropriate form of sedation for you. The most common side effects are lingering drowsiness and dry mouth, but specific drugs can be used to reverse the effect.
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