Going through an extensive or painful dental procedure, like root canal surgery or tooth extraction, can be frightening to many people. Even though they need the treatment, some choose not to undergo it out of fear of being in a lot of pain. Fortunately, dentists have a helpful technique that allows patients to get treated without issue. Today, we’re going to discuss a process known as sedation.

Sedation involves giving a patient a sedative drug to help them relax and alleviate any anxiety they may have about the procedure. Even though this process was once called sleep dentistry, most patients remain awake throughout. The only instance when the individual is completely knocked out is when general anesthesia has been administered.

What Are the Levels of Sedation?

Minimal Sedation: Awake but relaxed

Moderate Sedation: No memories of the procedure

Deep Sedation: On the brink of consciousness but still awake

General Anesthesia: Completely unconscious

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is a good option for individuals who feel anxious about undergoing treatment. Individuals who can benefit from sedation include patients who:

• Cannot sit still on the dental chair

• Have a gag reflex

• Have a low pain tolerance

• Needs an extensive or invasive procedure

• Have very sensitive teeth

What Types of Sedation Is Used for Dental Works?

The type of sedation that will be used depends on the patient and what they need. After all, different forms of sedation are suitable for specific individuals. These types include the following:

Oral Sedation

The dosage given determines whether the sedation administered will be minimal or moderate. The former involves taking a pill an hour before the procedure. The drug itself usually belongs to the Valium family. On the other hand, moderate sedation requires a higher dosage, which would make the patient groggy enough to sleep throughout the procedure.

Inhaled Minimal Sedation

This is one of the most widely known sedation methods used for dentistry. The patient will be inhaling nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, alongside oxygen. To administer the gas, the dentist will put a mask over the individual’s nose, allowing them to breathe in the nitrous oxide and oxygen. As they keep breathing, they will eventually relax and remain that way as they undergo the procedure.

IV Moderate Sedation

As the name implies, the sedative drug will be given to the patient intravenously. This method is known to work quite quickly and allows the dentist to adjust the level of sedation as the treatment goes on.

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia

This form of sedation is ideal for people who feel highly anxious during medical procedures, such as root canal treatment and gum disease treatment. The sedation drug given is strong enough to make the patient almost or completely lose consciousness throughout the treatment. Those who will undergo general anesthesia cannot be woken on demand. The anesthesia has to wear off on its own before the patient can regain consciousness.

Final Thoughts

Sedation is a great way to allow patients who need invasive or extensive dental treatments to push through with the procedure without incident. If you are someone who might need an invasive procedure but are scared of going through it because of the pain, you can rely on a dentist in Denver who knows how to do sedation dentistry.

G-Dental32 provides exceptional dental services to Denver locals, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth implants, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry. We always do our best to give you a reason to smile. Book an appointment today!