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Sedation Dentistry
At Mark Tangri Dental Excellence we use Sedation Dentistry as medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.
The levels of sedation used include:
- Moderate sedation (formerly called “conscious sedation”) – you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
- General anesthesia – you are completely unconscious.
Dental sedation can be helpful to calm one’s nerves in the dental chair, but it also helps in other situations. If you have overly sensitive teeth or are prone to gagging during dental operation, sedation reduces or removes those issues. If you don’t numb as easily to anaesthetic, adding sedation will help. And anyone undergoing periodontal surgery or a major dental operation will find oral sedation to be beneficial.
If you’re looking for pain-free dentistry, you are in great company!
Most of our patients were so scared, it took them to be in unbearable pain before they contacted us. Often they had suffered for years, embarrassed and unable to smile or eat, as they truly deserve to. If this sounds familiar, you must call us now, we are on your side and here to help. If you would like more information on Sedation Dentistry please contact us here.
Sedation Dentistry - Frequently Asked Questions
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halicon, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can,though, be awakened with a gentle shake.
IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
A local anesthetic will numb the pain, and the dental sedative will further lower your awareness level so that you will feel little if any pain during the dental procedure.
No, dental sedation does not cause one to go to sleep or become unconscious. You will still be awake and able to converse, but you will simply be less active and responsive, and totally relaxed and at ease.
Most patients don’t remember much from the dental procedure. And it will seem like it goes much faster than in reality: an hour might feel like 10 minutes in retrospect.
You may still feel a bit tamed for a while, but this will quickly wear off. Nonetheless, you need to have a friend or family member drive you home to be safe.
Oral sedatives are delivered through a hose and mouth cover, into the mouth and/or nose. As it takes 20 minutes or so to produce its full effect, you’ll need to get sedated as soon as you sit down in the dental chair. Oxygen may be given after the procedure to clear out any lingering nitrous oxide.
Yes, there is very low risk associated to sedation dentistry. Plus, your dental practitioner will first check your medical history and you will be closely monitored for possible negative reactions (which are very unlikely anyway.)
Yes, sedation dentistry is just as safe for kids as it is for adults. It is routinely administered to children, so there’s no need to worry.
Often, there are no significant side effects to sedation dentistry, but sometimes, one might get hiccups very briefly or have a dry mouth. None of this will last long or be serious.
