What is Sedation Dentistry - Its Benefits, Risks and Procedures

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique that involves the use of medication to help patients feel relaxed while undergoing dental procedures. You might also hear people refer to it as “Conscious Sedation”. Sedation dentistry can be used across a spectrum of different dental procedures, ranging from simple cleanings to implants, depigmentation, and other complex treatments.

There are also different levels of Sedation, like:

• Deep Sedation: When the patient is in a state of near unconsciousness but can still be woke.
• Moderate Sedation: When the patient may have difficulty speaking clearly and may not remember much of the procedure.
• Minimal Sedation: When the patient is awake but relaxed.
• General anesthesia: When the patient is totally unconscious.”

Who's a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

If we have to choose one group of people that should use Sedation, dentists have it very clear: those who get stressed and may even have a fear or anxiety before undergoing dental treatments.

When it comes to the type of patients who should use Sedation, dentists have it very clear: those who get stressed may even have fear or anxiety before undergoing dental treatments.

Sedation dentistry is also ideal for patients who:

• Have a low pain threshold
• Have difficulty sitting still in the dentist's chair (especially children)
• Experience extreme tooth sensitivity
• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Require extensive dental work

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

It goes without saying that Sedation Dentistry helps patients overcome anxiety and phobias and reassures them during dental treatment.

Since dentists can perform procedures faster when patients are under the effect of sedation, the desired treatment results can be achieved in less time and in fewer sessions.

For the people who can't even attend a dental appointment, Sedation is also at the rescue! It will help them feel more comfortable while visiting the dentist and receiving all the necessary care without any potential risks.

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At Al Siraj Medical Center, we administer sedation dentistry to our patients based on their needs and preferences, so you can expect our dentists To use it before any dental procedure you understand at our expectations.

What about the risks or complications?

Sedation dentistry is very, very safe, and this is especially true when The best dentist in Qatar administrators it. Even if some minor risks can occur, their effects won't last too long. Some potential complications might include headaches, nausea and vomiting, bruising, and a feeling of drowsiness.

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

The type of sedation used depends on the patient's anxiety level and the complexity of the procedure. Here are the common types:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Typically inhaled through a mask, this gas helps patients relax while staying awake, the good thing about it is that its effect wears off quickly.

Oral Sedation

It's a pill taken about an hour before the procedure induces drought, it's characterized by its easy administration and does not require needles.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

This type is administered through an IV, which allows dentists to adjust the sedation levels; it's commonly used for complex dental procedures as it provides deeper sedation.

General Anesthesia

This type will make the patient, its use is required for very complex procedures or for patients suffering from severe anxiety.

Sedation Dentistry Procedures

First things first, you'll need to discuss the sedation dentistry technique with your dentist during the first consultation. The dentist will ask you a couple of questions to determine which type suits your situation best.

Typically, your dentist will tell you to refrain from consuming any food for a minimum of six hours before the dental treatment you should go. (Except medications, which are a topic that you'll usually discuss during the first appointment).

After that, the dentist will give you sedative drugs before the procedure. Once you start feeling relaxed, the dentist will apply local aesthetic to number your teeth and gums.

Aftercare Practices

Once your dental procedure is over, make sure to follow these instructions to avoid any unwanted consequences:

1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Have a responsible adult accompany you home and stay with you for at least a few hours.
3. Rest and relax for the entire day, and avoid physical activities and heavy lifting.
4. If you experience bruising from an IV, apply a cold compress to the area to reduce the swelling.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

• What drug is used for sedation dentistry?

Most dentists use triazolam (Halcion®).

• Who Can't Have Dental Sedation?

Generally, sedation dentistry isn't recommended for people who are pregnant

• Is Sedation safer than anesthesia?

General anesthesia can be dangerous for older adults with unknown coronary artery disease. Sedation is safer for older adults, which is why it's typically used in colonoscopies.

• Do you feel pain with oral sedation?

You won't feel pain under oral conscious sedation, although that doesn't mean you won't feel any discomfort at all.

• Does tooth extraction hurt with Sedation?

With Sedation Dentistry, you won't feel any pain during your tooth extraction.

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