How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

Going to the dentist is a source of severe anxiety for some people, which causes treatment delays and poor dental health. Sedation dentistry is one way to feel at ease and get the treatment you need without stress, fear, or anxiety. Here’s how it works.  

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique that keeps you or your children calm and comfortable during dental treatment using medication. Sedation is a spectrum that causes varying levels of unawareness, ranging from light to moderate and deep.  

In most cases, your dentist uses conscious or moderate sedation where you are awake but pain-free and at ease and won’t remember the experience afterward. It’s sometimes called a twilight sleep and is an excellent option for managing dental visit anxiety, behavioral or cognitive disabilities that affect treatment, or medical conditions that cause uncontrolled movements.  

Types of Sedation

Several types of sedation are available, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV medication, or general anesthesia. Your dentist will select the option based on the dental work required and your health or other needs.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas you inhale through a mask, usually mixed with oxygen. It’s also known as laughing gas because it causes euphoria and calmness. Your dentist gives you pure oxygen for a few minutes and gradually adds nitrous oxide until you feel calm.  

Once the procedure is over, you’ll receive pure oxygen again for five minutes to flush the gas from your system. Nitrous oxide leaves your body quickly, so you can drive home after your procedure.  

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is medication given by mouth, usually about an hour or so before your procedure. These medications make you sleepy and forgetful, causing mild to moderate sedation. You’re still technically awake, so you can breathe without help, wake up from sedation easily, and talk to your dentist. Most people don't remember anything after the procedure.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is deep sedation that helps you sleep through your dental work. Your dentist administers the medication via an intravenous (IV) line in your vein and monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during sedation. You will have no or nearly no memory of the procedure.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is sometimes necessary for major oral surgery or severe dental anxiety. This form of sedation is known as unconscious sedation and happens in a hospital or a surgical center with special equipment. You will be fully asleep, unaware, and pain-free.  

Who Can Undergo Sedation Dentistry?

Your dentist may suggest sedation dentistry to help you manage dental visit anxiety or for comfort during complex procedures or surgeries. Adults, teens, and children can get sedation and your dentist may even recommend it for kids to have a positive experience at the dentist.  

Sedation may also be available if you or your child have:

• A fear of the dentist or dental work

• Trouble sitting still  

• A severe gag reflex

• A fear of needles

• Severe tooth sensitivity

Your dentist will perform an exam and assess your medical history to determine if sedation is a good option for you. However, sedation may not be appropriate in some cases, such as if you're pregnant, have an allergy to sedatives, take certain medication, or have an airway problem.

Dental Anxiety? Consider a Comfort Dentist in Vista

At Pristine Dentistry, relaxation and comfort are a priority. We offer a stress-free experience, complete with Netflix, headphones, blankets, pillows, and sedation dentistry when necessary to help you feel comfortable. Schedule an appointment and discover how we can help.  

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