Facts about sedation dentistry
 

Local Anesthesia ~ The most frequently used type of anesthesia. Used to numb the area being worked on, it is given by injection (although dentists often swab a topical anesthetic gel on the injection site for the patient's comfort). The numbing effects can last from five minutes to three hours after treatment.

Inhalation Anesthesia ~ The most commonly used inhalation agent is Nitrous Oxide or "laughing gas.” Nitrous Oxide is a sedating gas that is combined with oxygen to make patients feel more comfortable during dental care. A small rubber inhaler is placed over the patient's nose and adjusted so that the patient breathes through it. With Nitrous Oxide, most patients experience an initial feeling of lightheadedness, which gradually leads to an overall feeling of well-being. The advantages of inhalation sedation are its rapid onset, lack of lingering effects, the ability of the patient to engage in conversation while under its influence, and the ability of the patient to drive home unassisted.

Minimal Sedation ~ The patient takes a pill before treatment. The patient becomes sleepy, and develops a diminished awareness of sounds and smells. The effects can last for up to four hours. A patient is monitored for his or her individual response. Commonly administered oral sedatives include: Valium, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan. Advantages of oral conscious sedation include: It is easily administered (no needles), generally has a low incidence of side effects, the patient can breathe independently, and the patient retains the ability to interact with and respond to the dentist. This mode of sedation is gaining popularity as "sedation" or "sleep" dentistry; however, oral medications do not and should not put a patient to sleep. Therefore, patients using this method who want to be to be "asleep" may be more aware of dental treatment than they want to be.

Moderate Sedation ~ Also known as IV or "conscious sedation." Patients often think they are asleep and have no memory of the procedure but can respond to the dentist when necessary. IV sedation is a safe, precise, and highly effective technique for management of moderate to more severe levels of dental fear. Commonly used drugs include Versed and Demerol, either alone or in combinations selected by the doctor. A major benefit of some of these IV drugs is amnesia. The patient will have no memory of most, or even all, of the dental treatment. Another benefit is the comparatively quick recovery time.

General Anesthesia ~ For patients who want to be totally asleep, are extremely fearful or have a strong gag reflex. This modality is administered by a specialist while the dentist works. General anesthesia is also often used for patients who are not physically or behaviorally able to cooperate with dentistry, for patients with special needs, and for patients whose medical conditions place them at risk. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this service.