What Can I Expect From Oral Sedation?

Sedation dentistry helps those with dental anxiety or certain disabilities get access to even the most basic dental treatment. It can help patients who require lengthy and complicated procedures sit through them more comfortably. And it’s often needed to help children remain calm and relaxed while in the dentist’s office.

If you or your child may need sedation, keep reading this article to know what to expect.

Types of Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is an umbrella term that can include:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) - this is a mild sedative that is also often used for children;

• Oral conscious sedation - drug sedatives taken shortly before the procedure;

• IV sedation - used when patients require a consistent flow of sedatives throughout lengthy procedures;

• General anesthesia - is used for very long and complicated procedures, and is the only one that makes people fall asleep

When Is Sedation Used?

Dentists can recommend sedation for a variety of reasons:

• Dental anxiety
• Low tolerance for pain
• Highly sensitive teeth
• Strong gag reflex
• Difficulty sitting still
• Extensive dental work

Is Sedation Safe?

When administered by a trained professional and given in a controlled environment, sedation is perfectly safe.

Your dentist will only recommend sedation if it is truly necessary for you. Not only that, but they will recommend a specific type of sedation that works for you best, based on the type of dental work you need as well as an assessment of your medical history.

What Can You Expect from Sedation?

• Getting All the Information

Before you come in for an appointment, the dentist will explain what type of sedation they will use, as well as what to prepare for. Going in, you will know everything you need both about sedation and the procedure.

• Before the Procedure

Before the session starts, the dentist administers the sedative chosen. They will continue to monitor you to see how you respond, and once it takes effect, they can begin dental work.

• During the Procedure

Sedation can affect everyone differently, and the type of sedative can have different effects. In most cases, people will feel calm and relaxed after being sedated. You will be continuously monitored through the procedure.

• After the Procedure

You may feel a bit drowsy and disoriented after the procedure. The effect will completely wear off in about a day.

In some cases, you may need to make some special preparations beforehand. For instance, if you require oral consciousness or IV sedation, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home. These sedatives take a little longer to leave your system.

Sedation Is Nothing to Fear

Southington Dentistry provides sedation options to help our patients comfortably restore their dental health.

Book a consultation with Dr. Neil Salesky online and stop by for a visit.