Conscious Sedation

For many people, fear associated with dental procedures keeps them from seeking the care they need. The pain and discomfort of previous dental experiences can cause anxiety, making a trip to the dentist seem like a form of torture; insufferable, and to be avoided at all costs.

Sadly, the costs of not seeing a dentist can range from simply aesthetic, to truly problematic. Proper oral hygiene is vital to ensure over-all health. Left untreated, decay, gum disease, and many other dental issues can lead to severe problems within the mouth, and throughout the body.

If you have avoided seeing a dentist because of fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry provides you a safe, effective way to receive the care you need, without the stress.

Types of Sedation

There are various types of sedation used in dentistry. Some forms of general anesthesia are used during major surgical procedures and will temporarily knock the patient entirely unconscious. Conscious sedation is much more common in general dental procedures and includes:

• Inhaled minimal sedation. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can be administered through a mask. Your dentist will maintain control over how much nitrous oxide is dispensed. With this type of sedation, you will be alert enough to know what is going on, but you will be completely relaxed, and most likely have no memory of the procedure afterward.
  

• Oral sedation. A drug similar to Valium can be administered about one hour prior to your procedure to achieve minimal to moderate sedation. The strength of the dosage will determine its effect. Once in your system, this type of sedation can not be controlled by your dentist. It provides a completely relaxed, comfortable form of sedation in which you will be aware of what’s happening, but like nitrous oxide, will most likely have no recollection of the procedure.
  

• Intravenous, or IV, sedation. IV sedation works much faster than oral sedation, and the dosage can be controlled throughout the procedure by your dentist. This type of sedation is also used for total sedation during more advanced surgical procedures. Moderate sedation achieved through an IV will provide maximum comfort and relaxation during your dental procedure.
  

Oral health is important on many levels, and only a dentist can provide you with the complete, thorough procedures necessary to ensure a healthy smile. With today’s advances in sedation dentistry, no one has to miss out on the care they deserve, for the smile they desire.