Sedation dentistry is a type of dental care that uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is also known as sleep dentistry, and it is used to help patients who experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. Sedation dentistry can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions. It can also be used for more complex procedures such as dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety and fear during dental procedures.
It is administered by a qualified dentist or anesthesiologist who will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure. The type of sedation used will depend on the patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure. There are three main types of sedation dentistry: oral sedation, intravenous (IV) sedation, and general anesthesia.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is the most common type of sedation dentistry. It involves taking a pill or liquid medication before the procedure to help the patient relax.The medication can range from a mild sedative to a stronger sedative that will make the patient drowsy. Oral sedation is safe and effective, but it does not provide complete unconsciousness like IV sedation or general anesthesia.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is a more intense form of sedation dentistry that involves administering medication through an IV line. This type of sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation than oral sedation and can make the patient completely unconscious during the procedure. IV sedation is administered by a qualified anesthesiologist who will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure.General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most intense form of sedation dentistry and involves administering medication through an IV line that will make the patient completely unconscious during the procedure.This type of sedation is usually reserved for more complex procedures such as dental implants or wisdom teeth extractions. General anesthesia is administered by a qualified anesthesiologist who will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure. Sedation dentistry can be a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety and fear during dental procedures. It is important to discuss all of your options with your dentist before deciding which type of sedation is right for you. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best option based on your needs and medical history.
