Sedation Dentistry: What Procedures Is It Used For?

Sedation dentistry helps keep patients comfortable while undergoing dental procedures. It is ideal for individuals who experience dental anxiety and those getting lengthy treatments. There are different sedation options to cater to various patient needs. 

Sedation is helpful for many procedures, from simple to invasive. Here is more information on sedation dentistry and the procedures it is used for. 

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows patients to feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable during dental treatment. It is a moderate form of sedation where the patient remains awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain. 

It is also known as conscious sedation, and it creates a condition of short-term amnesia. The patient remains conscious throughout but does not remember anything about the procedure. The sedation level can be minimal, moderate, or deep. 

Who Requires Sedation Dentistry 

Anyone can benefit from sedation dentistry, including young children. Dentists recommend this option for patients with:

 

• Dental anxiety
   

• A sensitive gag reflex
   

• Extreme teeth sensitivity
   

• Fear of dental treatment

It is also beneficial for people with a fear of needles, those with special needs, and patients with difficulty controlling movements. People with reduced sensitivity to local anesthesia can get sedation dentistry. 

Types of Sedation Used by Dentists

Different types and levels of sedation dentistry are administered based on the patient’s needs. Dentists at Clarity Dental Center consider various factors when determining the best sedation for the patient.
 

The types of sedation used include:

 

• Oral conscious sedation (medications).

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

• Intravenous (IV) sedation. 

IV sedation is the deepest type of sedation used in dentistry, where the anesthesia gets directly into the bloodstream. 

When Sedation Dentistry Is Used

Sedation dentistry is ideal for virtually all dental procedures. When to use sedation will depend on the individual patient. Some people are incredibly anxious and may require sedation for something as simple as teeth cleaning. 

Dental equipment getting into the mouth can cause discomfort for patients with a severe gag reflex. They require sedation even for a general checkup. Lengthy procedures like a root canal may require deep sedation. Minimal or moderate sedation is adequate for other procedures. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry 

Sedation dentistry helps ease patient phobias and anxieties. Patients remain calm and comfortable during the procedure, allowing the dentists to work faster and more efficiently. It can result in fewer dental appointments. 

Patients who avoid dental treatment because of fear and anxiety can get the care they need. The dentist will discuss your condition and health history to determine if you qualify for sedation dentistry. 

Sedation recommendations are based on the patient’s needs. If you are on any medication, ensure that you inform the dentist before the procedure. Pregnant women should not get sedation as it may interfere with the growing baby. Some people experience some side effects from the sedation, but they are minimal. 

For more on sedation dentistry and its uses, visit Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry at our Federal Way, Washington office. Call (253) 799-1490 today to schedule an appointment.