Your Guide to Sedation Dentistry

YOUR GUIDE TO SEDATION DENTISTRY WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY? The use of medications to aid in relaxation during dental visits Sometimes known as sleep dentistry, though the term is not completely accurate Sedation levels range from minimal to deep to completely unconscious WHEN IS DENTAL SEDATION HELPFUL? V When you need some assistance feeling relaxed at the dentist When you need a good deal of dental work done at once When you have a sensitive gag reflex V When you have anxiety or a phobia about going to the dentist V When you have sensitive teeth or a low tolerance for pain DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEDATION INHALED SEDATION Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is used to help you relax Effects wear off quickly, so you may be able to drive yourself home Your dentist is in control of your level of sedation ORAL SEDATION Can range from minimal to moderate depending on the dosage A pill is usually taken about an hour before your dental work Some patients become drowsy, while others may fall asleep during the procedure IV SEDATION The sedative is administered intravenously so it works quickly Your dentist adjusts the sedation level as the procedure goes Helps minimize the number of dental visits needed to complete major work DEEP SEDATION You'll be either almost or completely asleep during the procedure You won't wake until the anesthesia wears Zz off or is reversed with medication May be used for oral surgery more often than general dental procedures MANASSAS PROVIDED BY: SMILES www.MANASSASSMILESVA.COM Sources: www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in -the-dentists-chair www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in -the-dentists-chair?page%=D2 www.yourdentistryguide.com/sedation/ www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/