What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry makes use of medication to induce relaxation during dental treatments. There are different levels of sedation that can be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment.

Your dentist will make a recommendation based on the procedure you will have and the level of anxiety you feel. The different sedation levels include:

Minimal sedation: Under minimal sedation you are relaxed but also awake.

Moderate sedation: Moderate sedation is also known as conscious sedation, and patients in this state often do not remember much of the procedure and can’t speak coherently.

Deep sedation: When you are under deep sedation you are almost unconscious but you can be woken up.

General anaesthesia: When you are administered general anaesthesia you are not conscious during the procedure and will not remember anything.

How Is The Medication Administered?

Inhaled sedation makes use of laughing gas or nitrous oxide to induce relaxation. The gas does not last for long but your dentist will manage the amount you receive. Because it is not long lasting you will be able to drive home afterwards.

Your dentist can put you in a state of minimal or moderate sedation using oral sedation. You can expect to be drowsy but you will be awake. It is possible for you to fall asleep during the procedure but someone would be able to wake you up if necessary.

Moderate sedation is also possible through an IV drip. This method works very fast and gives your dentist control over the level of sedation you are under.

General anaesthesia and deep sedation can be induced with medication. In this state it is more difficult to wake you and in most cases, this only happens when the medication wears off.