1 July 2022

When Is Sedation Used In Dentistry?

Sedation is used in dentistry when the patient is either suffering from anxiety resulting from their treatment or when dental surgery is required to improve the condition of a patient’s oral health. Medication is used to numb the patient’s mouth and to put them into a drowsy state. The patient is still awake for the procedure, however,  except when general anesthesia is used. 

When Is Sedation Dentistry Appropriate?

Sedation dentistry is most appropriate for people who suffer from anxiety to the extent that it prevents them from going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry is also used when the patient: 

  1. Has a low pain tolerance.
  2. Cannot sit still in the dentist’s chair.
  3. Has very sensitive teeth.
  4. Has a pronounced gag reflex.
  5. Needs a large amount of dental work completed. 

Children are sometimes given dental sedatives when they are terrified of the dentist or refuse to cooperate during an appointment. While most dentists can give nitrous oxide (discussed below) to children, only a small number can give oral sedatives (also discussed below). 

What Types of Dental Sedation Exist?

There are four primary varieties of dental sedation used in standard dental practice. 

Inhaled Minimal Sedation 

The patient breathes in nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with oxygen through a mask placed over the nose. The gas helps patients relax and can be controlled in its measure by the dentist throughout the procedure. Sedation wears off quickly and patients can even drive themselves home following inhaled minimal sedation. 

Oral Sedation 

Oral sedation can vary in strength from minimal to moderate. The patient is given a pill typically containing Halcion, which is similar in nature to Valium, about an hour before the procedure. The pill makes the patient drowsy, although they will retain consciousness.  

IV Moderate Sedation 

IV Moderate sedation works via injection. The dentist controls the amount of sedative given throughout the procedure. This method works far more quickly than oral sedation. 

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia 

Medication is given to the patient which knocks them unconscious – deeply asleep – for the duration of the procedure. The effects of this type of sedative wear off slowly or are reversed with other drugs. The patient will require somebody to drive them home after their appointment. 

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry? 

Anesthesia, when delivered by trained and qualified dentists, is usually safe. However, some people can develop medical complications after taking a sedative. Obese patients or patients with obstructive sleep apnoea should consult their GP before taking sedatives. Some medications can also result in an adverse effect if combined with sedatives, so be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you are on before agreeing to take a sedative. Your dentist should monitor your vital signs at all times during the procedure and should also have oxygen and drugs to reverse the anesthesia on hand at all times. 

Contact Rose Dental Today 

If you are interested in employing dental sedatives during your next dental appointment, contact Rose Dental today to book your initial consultation with a licensed dentist. We service all of Five Dock, Drummoyne, Ashfield, Concord and the surrounding suburbs. 

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