Who Should Go for Sedation Dentistry

What Are the Methods of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is carried out in the following manner:

• IV sedation: In this method, the anesthetic agent is injected through the intravenous route and causes moderate to deep sedation.
• Nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation: This is one of the most common forms of sedation used for dental procedures, in which the patient is allowed to inhale a monitored level of nitrous oxide for sedation.
• Oral sedation: This causes minimal to moderate sedation in the patient.
• General anesthesia: The dental anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia through an injection rendering the patient unconscious. This is carried out in an appropriate facility.

Who Can Choose Sedation Dentistry?

The following tells you whether you are suitable for sedation dentistry or not:

• Patients with severe anxiety or dental phobia.
• In patients who feel a very strong gag reflex or have hyperactive throat muscles.
• Claustrophobic patients and patients who are unable to sit in a dental chair for a long time.
• Patients who require multiple dental treatments and want fewer dental appointments.
• Patients with low pain tolerance.
• For patients who have psychiatric or cognitive conditions, individualized assessment is required.
• Patients who find it difficult to stay numb with local anesthesia.

Can You Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

If you have any of the following conditions, check with your primary care physician/specialist whether you can opt for this. Patients with the following medical conditions need risk assessment and modification.

• Patients who have allergies to certain sedative medications.
• Pregnant patients should generally avoid elective sedation. especially in their first trimester.
• Any patient with respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis, COPD, or any other disease.
• Patients who have heart disease or have had a history of heart attack.
• Patients with severe kidney and liver diseases.
• Patients who have a blocked nose are not suitable candidates for nitrous oxide inhalation.

Important Message For Patients

Sedation dentistry is a viable option for many patients; however, local anesthesia provides targeted numbing and faster recovery. It is not recommended to choose your pain management method yourself. You must get proper advice from the dental specialist on the choice of anesthesia.