Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal communication that is produced by pharmacological or non pharmacological methods or a combination of both.

Also referred to as relaxation dentistry, sedation dentistry refers to the way dentist is able to manage pain and anxiety during the dental appointment.  Unlike General Anesthesia where the patient is completely unconscious, asleep, and unable to respond, patients under conscious sedation are able to respond to commands and by touch on their own.

Most common types of sedation used by general dentist for their patients include:

Ø  Oral conscious sedation (medicine in form of a pill)

Ø  Inhalants sedation such as Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

With the combination of conscious sedation and inhalant sedation, the patient experiences a state of very deep relaxation.  Again, the patient can still speak and respond to the request of others. 

Oral Sedation for Adults

Oral medications used in conscious sedation dentistry are from a group of drugs called Benzodiazepine.  This medication has a sedation effect as well as an amnesic effect on most people.  Patients remember little or nothing about their dental appointment.

The most common medicine in our practice for sedation for adults is Halcian (Triazelom), which provides a deep level of relaxation and amnesia effect.

Sedation for children, Versed or Medozolon which is in a liquid form, is preferred.

Advantages

Ø  Easy to administer; swallow a small pill or crushed up and placed under the tongue

Ø  It is safe and easy to monitor

Ø  Works well for most patients

Ø  Affordable cost

Disadvantages

Ø  The level of sedation is not easily changed

Ø  Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment

Ø  There is no analgesic (pain relief effect) although local anesthetics are used for dental procedures

Ø  History of allergic reaction to certain drugs

Ø  Patient will most likely continue to be sedated several hours after dental procedure is complete

 

Inhalant Conscious Sedation

 Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (laughing gas) is used most frequent and has been used for sedation in dentistry for many years.

Advantages

Ø  Works well for mild to moderate anxiety

Ø  Rapid onset

Ø  Flexible duration can be used for many appointment lengths

Ø  Absolute control; it is easy to quickly control the level of sedation which is being delivered moment by moment

Ø  Patients recover quickly

Ø  Very little side effects

Ø  You can return to normal activities immediately

Ø  You are able to drive yourself to and from your dental appointment

Disadvantages

Ø  Severe anxiety may require a deeper level of sedation

Ø  Not indicated for people who have respiratory problems

Ø  Claustrophobic patients do not like anything covering their nose 

As any drug characteristics, oral sedation can have side effects on patients.  All risk factors, individual characteristics, protocols, medical history, and instructions on use of drugs are reviewed with patient prior to scheduling the patient’s sedation appointment.

Education and Regulations

Oral sedation dentist are specially trained and are required by the Board of Dentistry and the State of Virginia to attend continuing training every 2 years to review to insure proper protocol as well as learn new and advance techniques.  Dr. Soltanian has successfully completed all requirements and continues to meet protocols.

If you have anxiety about dental appointments, sedation dentistry will provide a relaxing and pleasant experience.  Please contact our office for additional information and begin enjoying your dental appointments today.