Learning More About Sedation in Dentistry
When you're relaxed, it puts you to a point where you don't really remember what happens. When you wake up and you're off the sedation, you're back to normal and feeling great. It eliminates anxiety by allowing you to relax and not remember what really happened to you.
What types of different sedation are available for dental procedures?
Basically, for milder dental procedures, you can use nitrous oxide, which is laughing gas. I think you recognize these masks where you breathe in the gas and it relaxes you.
For more moderately complex procedures, you can use pills or IV lines where they go in through a vein and introduce the sedative liquid into your body. It works really well and is generally safer than going through general anesthesia.
What can I expect during oral sedation?
You're going to feel drowsy and sleepy. You'll be in a state of being halfway asleep and halfway awake. You'll reach a point where you're not going to really remember what's going on once you wake up. Sometimes you do, but you'll be really relaxed and able to tolerate procedures that most people with anxiety wouldn't be able to tolerate.
Do you need sedation for tooth extraction?
Not always. It depends on you, what you're able to tolerate, and how comfortable you are with having dental work.
Are you awake during sedation?
As I just mentioned, you're not. You are and you're not. You're in a quasi-sleepy state where you're really relaxed and not really feeling what's going on around you. You're awake and able to respond. You can hear things, but it's very background-like. You're relaxed and just going with the flow without being anxious.
Is sedation dentistry painless?
Generally, yes. During the procedure, it is. If you're going to have an IV line, they're going to numb this area and you'll feel something going in at first, but generally during the procedure, it's painless. You're pretty comfortable.
What are possible side effects of sedation dentistry?
Drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness afterwards, or a dry mouth.
Is sedation 100% safe?
The answer is no. There's always an unknown risk that someone could have, but generally, it's pretty safe. Never assume that sedation is 100% safe. There's always a possibility of complications. Like anything in life, you get in a car, you can get in an accident.
You have sedation, you may have a complication during the procedure with sedation. It's generally fairly safe, and I do highly recommend it if you're the type of person who is anxious about dental work and needs sedation to take care of yourself.
Want to learn more? Call Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. at (925) 272-2698 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.