We understand that undergoing a dental procedure is not always a pleasant experience for everyone. Thanks to recent advancements in the medical field, there are now options that make receiving dental treatment much more comfortable. Sedation options are an effective way to receive the dental care you need without any stress or anxiety. All it takes is a simple conversation with your dentist to find out if sedation dentistry is the right choice for you.
Oral Conscious Sedation
In this method, your dentist will give you a strong pill or liquid sedative about 30-60 minutes before your procedure. As the sedative starts to work, you’ll feel tired and groggy, and you may even fall asleep during your treatment. Oral conscious sedative medications can cause anterograde amnesia, a common effect that may cause you to forget parts of your procedure. Compared to nitrous oxide sedation, oral-conscious sedative medicines have more noticeable and longer side effects. You will most likely feel groggy well after your treatment, so you can not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 4-6 hours. Be sure to come with someone who can drive you to and from our office if you choose oral conscious sedation.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is one of the strongest forms of sedation and requires the use of a ventilator to help you breathe.
General anaesthesia is usually reserved for the most invasive dental surgeries, such as jaw surgery. Other sedation options can be used for patients who have low pain threshold levels and need routine dental treatments, such as tooth extractions, dental crowns, and more.
IV Sedation
In IV sedation, the same oral-conscious medicines are used, but it is injected directly into your bloodstream via an IV. This option will take effect almost immediately once it’s injected into your bloodstream. You will fall asleep during your treatment with IV sedation. While you may not remember your procedure, you can still be woken up and respond to the operator’s commands.
Once your dental procedure is complete, you may feel uncomfortable for 4-6 hours or longer. You cannot drive yourself home after the procedure, so you will need someone who can drive you to and from our office on the day of your appointment.
