How safe is sedation at your dentist? Is it really worth the risk of not being able to move or speak for a little while? Not everyone is comfortable with this, but there are ways around it. Sedation dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have begun to understand how safe and effective it can be. If you're on the fence about whether or not you should use sedation during your dental appointments, then here are some reasons that might help change your mind:
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to reduce or eliminate anxiety and fear of dental treatment. It can take many forms, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), oral sedatives such as Valium and Xanax, benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Versed, conscious intravenous anesthesia with pain medication, and general anesthesia with an attending or participating anesthesiologist.
Sedation dentistry helps patients who are anxious about treatment avoid the discomfort associated with dental phobia (fear of pain). It can also help those whose physical conditions preclude safe participation in local anesthesia, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease.
How does it work?
Sedation is administered by a dentist or anesthesiologist. Depending on the level of sedation that's needed, it can be dispensed in many ways: as gas, you breathe through your nose, medication to take orally before treatment begins, intravenous injections given during treatment, and even general anesthesia where you are "put under" for a short period of time.
Is it safe for all patients?
Sedation dentistry is safe for most people. For patients with respiratory problems, such as asthma or sleep apnea (a condition in which breathing stops several times during the night), sedation may not be appropriate. Your doctor should discuss it with a specialist before treatment begins.
Most general anesthetics require pre-treatment with intravenous medications to ensure that patients are sedated throughout treatment. The risk of anesthesia is similar to the risks associated with surgery, including respiratory problems or allergic reactions to drugs used during surgery.
Each medication has different side effects, and some may make certain preexisting conditions worse. Your doctor will discuss these issues in detail before you receive any sedation.
We want to help you get the most out of your dental experience, whether that means getting a filling or recovering from surgery. If you're considering sedation dentistry for any reason because it sounds like something that would help make your appointment go smoothly, please feel free to come to visit our practice and talk about all your options with us before scheduling anything. You can also call if you have any questions along the way!
Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718
Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here. ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 ~ (503) 765-9699 ~ zentechdentistry.com ~ 10/2/2024 ~ Tags: dentist West Linn ~
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How safe is sedation at your dentist? Is it really worth the risk of not being able to move or speak for a little while? Not everyone is comfortable with this, but there are ways around it. Sedation dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have begun to understand how safe and effective it can be. If you're on the fence about whether or not you should use sedation during your dental appointments, then here are some reasons that might help change your mind: