Pain-Free Dental Treatment: Sedation in Dentistry

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One method of sedating infants, children, and those who are afraid of dental procedures is known as conscious sedation dentistry.

This method of sedation involves the use of dental sedatives, oxygen, and nitrous oxide to put the patient into a semi unconscious state which will leave them incapable of having any memory of the dental procedures that were performed.

The use of sedation dentistry allows the dentist to put a patient into a semi conscience state under which they are responsive to directives that are offered by the dentist while the patient is unaware of any of the procedures which are being performed.

Although this method of sedation has some very positive aspects for some, it can put adults and children alike at risk of some complications.

There are some dental patients who endure the side effects of sedation dentistry. These side effects may include things such as an intense headache, vomiting, or nausea which may be experienced after the patient has awakened from the sedated state.

In addition, there have been a few fatal cases reported as a result of the use of sedation dentistry. If the dental sedatives used to induce the conscious sedation is not offered in the correct dosage, or if the patient is not properly monitored during the dental procedure, and if the patient has underlying health conditions, the results of sedation dentistry can be deadly.

It is absolutely necessary that the dentist who is offering the sedation dentistry in an effort to ease the fears of the patient who is undergoing the dental procedure be fully trained in this procedure. Steps need to be taken before, during and after the procedure to ensure the safety of the patient.

It is important that patients don’t eat anything prior to the use of conscious sedation because it will increase the possibility of the patient choking during the dental procedure, and the patient’s vital signs and airway must be monitored to make sure that there are no complications.

Although sedation dentistry may not be the best choice for all dental patients when it is used properly with all of the necessary safety measures, a dental patient who is fearful of dental procedures or who may otherwise have difficulty with the dental procedures being performed can clearly benefit from sedation dentistry. The dentist can do more dental work in a single session and the patient does not have to deal with the anxiety and extreme pain during the dental procedure.

While death complications from sedation dentistry are rare, you should work with your dentist to ensure that he takes every possible precaution. You should only go to a dentist who has not only received the proper training, but you should also choose a dentist that requires a full physical of you prior to any procedure that uses sedation dentistry.

Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist for his or her credential. Also, you should be totally informed about the process prior to agreeing to sedation dentistry for yourself or your child.