The Different Types of Dental Sedation

Both adults and kids experience dental fears and anxiety, which deters them from going to the dentist. If you or a family member is caught in this dilemma, dental sedation might be a suitable solution. At Seva Dental, our Smiles Services include anxiety-free solutions for those seeking a dental experience that’s relaxing and comfortable.

Learn about the different types of sedation dentistry and how they contribute to an anxiety-free experience.  

What Is Dental Sedation?

Sedation dentistry, also called “sleep dentistry,” refers to the use of sedative medication, by a dentist, to calm and relax patients. Despite the term “sleep dentistry,” the patient is usually awake throughout the procedure. This is except for general anesthesia which keeps the patient unconscious throughout surgical dental procedures. Since medication is involved, dentists require special training and certification to provide sedation dentistry.

Levels of Sedation by a Sedation Dentist Near Me

Dentists can provide these four levels of sedation:

• Minimal sedation: The patient remains awake but relaxed.
• Moderate sedation (“conscious sedation”): The patient may fall asleep but does not go unconscious. They may not remember much of the procedure.
• Deep sedation: The patient hovers between states of consciousness and unconsciousness. The dentist can wake them. However, they usually have no recollection of the treatment.
• General anesthesia: The patient goes into a state of unconsciousness.

Types of Sedation Dentistry by Seva Dental in Bellbrook

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is administered through the nose continuously throughout treatment. The patient inhales the gas through a mask or nosepiece. The relaxing effects begin within 3 to 5 minutes.

Patients feel calm, relaxed, and aware. At the end of the procedure, your dentist will administer pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide out of your body. Patients can usually drive home after receiving nitrous oxide dental sedation.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is stronger than laughing gas and suitable for more complex procedures. The medicine is taken orally as a pill or liquid about an hour before your procedure. The dosage depends on whether minimal or moderate sedation is needed.

Grogginess, sleepiness, and falling asleep are common. The patients can speak and respond but may have fuzzy memories of the procedure.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of moderate sedation. The medicine is administered through the veins. It is more suitable for patients needing lengthy or complex dental work.

The dental team will monitor you throughout the process. They can adjust the dosage or treat you to reverse the effects of IV sedation if necessary. Patients usually fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation?

Patients who make suitable candidates for some level of sedation during dental procedures include those who:

• Have a low pain threshold
• Have a real and persistent fear of the dentist (Dentophobia)
• Are afraid of dental tools, instruments, or procedures
• Need lengthy or complicated dental work
• Fail to get numb with local anesthesia
• Have highly sensitive teeth, gag reflex, or trouble staying still
• Have special needs such as Autism or Down Syndrome

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation dentistry at our Bellbrook dental practice helps patients relax when receiving different levels of dental care. These include dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, and emergency treatment for oral injury. Without the necessary dental care, issues like gingivitis and minor cavities can worsen and affect your oral health.

An Anxiety-Free Dental Experience

We invite you to relax and rest easy during treatment. Working together with you, we’ll create a personal sedation plan to help you experience an anxiety-free and comfortable dental visit. Request an appointment online or call (937) 310-2555.

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