Dental sedation has become a popular option for people who are fearful of the dentist. It can help to calm patients and make their dental visit more comfortable. But is sedation dentistry safe? In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of dental sedation and how they are administered. We will also talk about how sedation affects the body and what to expect when under sedation. Finally, we will talk about who is an ideal candidate for dental sedation and who may be at an increased risk of complications. We will list specific conditions where dental sedation is not recommended.
Types of Dental Sedation
Oral sedation is taken by pill form an hour before the appointment. The pill will make you drowsy but you will still be awake during your appointment.
Inhaled sedation, also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, is a gas that you will breathe in through a small mask during your appointment. It will make you feel relaxed but you will still be awake during your procedure.
How Sedation Affects the Body
Dental sedation affects the body by causing drowsiness and relaxation. There are different levels of sedation that can affect your body differently:
Minimal Sedation – You will be awake and responsive but relaxed.
Moderate Sedation – You will be awake and drowsy, however you may slur your words and not remember the procedure.
Deep Sedation – You will be on the verge of passing out, may fall into a light sleep, and will not remember the procedure.
After undergoing dental sedation, you may not be able to drive yourself home after your appointment. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Sedation can cause memory loss, so you may not remember much of your appointment. You may also have trouble speaking and moving during your procedure.
Candidates for Dental Sedation
Ideal candidates for dental sedation are people who have a fear of the dentist, a sensitive gag reflex, or who need to have a lengthy or complex procedure done. People with heart conditions, lung disease, or severe allergies are at an increased risk of complications and are not ideal candidates for dental sedation.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a licensed dentist. The level of sedation will be determined by the dentist based on your medical history and the procedure that you are having done. Dental sedation is a safe and effective way to make your dental appointment more comfortable. Talk to your dentist about whether sedation dentistry is right for you.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the different types of dental sedation and how they are administered. We also talked about how sedation affects the body and what to expect when under sedation. Finally, we talked about who is an ideal candidate for dental sedation and who may be at an increased risk of complications. As you can see, dental sedation is a safe and effective way to make your dental appointment more comfortable. Talk to your dentist about whether sedation dentistry is right for you.
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
