Sedation dentistry uses medication to help manage stress or anxiety during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation are common options, and each method affects patients differently. When a procedure is lengthy or dental anxiety affects treatment, a dentist may recommend sedation dentistry.
Choosing Sedation Dentistry Candidates
A dentist recommends a sedation type based on anxiety, procedure length, health, and personal preferences. Sedation dentistry may help people with a fear of dental treatment or needles, sensitive teeth, or a sensitive gag reflex. When claustrophobia, difficulty controlling movements, or physical, behavioral, or cognitive needs make relaxation difficult, sedation dentistry may also be appropriate.
Medical history and current medications also affect sedation planning. Certain medications may affect how sedation works, and a dentist may ask a patient to stop taking them for several days before a procedure. When fasting is required, the dentist explains how long to avoid food and drink before the appointment.
Using Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask or nosepiece. Patients begin to feel calm and relaxed within three to five minutes, and the dosage can be adjusted throughout the procedure. When treatment ends, pure oxygen flushes the nitrous oxide from the body.
Recovery from nitrous oxide is brief. Patients recover within 15 to 30 minutes, and they can drive and continue with their day afterward. Because the effects wear off after treatment, patients do not need the same recovery period required with oral or IV sedation.
Using Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves prescription medication taken about one hour before the procedure. Common options include triazolam, zaleplon, and lorazepam, and liquid sedation such as midazolam syrup may be used for children who are anxious about treatment. When oral conscious sedation takes effect, patients can become very tired.
Patients may fall asleep during treatment. A dentist can wake a patient when a response is needed, and the medication can continue affecting recovery after the procedure. When oral conscious sedation is used, patients need someone to take them home and should not drive for 24 hours.
Using IV Sedation
IV sedation is the deepest form of conscious sedation available in a dental office setting. Medication enters the bloodstream through an IV line, and the provider monitors heart rate and blood pressure during the procedure. When an oral surgeon provides care, the surgeon gives the anesthesia and performs the procedure.
Patients may fall asleep during treatment. When they wake up, they will not remember the procedure, and they may remain sleepy or disoriented for several hours afterward. Because recovery takes longer with IV sedation, patients need someone to drive them home.
Understanding Sedation Side Effects
Sedation medications can cause side effects. Dry mouth, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are possible, and an IV may leave a bruise at the insertion site. When side effects occur, most go away within one day.
Children can experience different side effects. Fever, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and snoring are possible, and these effects should go away within 48 hours. When a child is slow to wake after sedation, the dental team monitors them until the medication wears off before they leave.
Discuss Sedation Dentistry Options
The right sedation dentistry method depends on several factors. Anxiety, health, procedure length, and personal preferences affect the recommendation, and each method has different administration and recovery requirements. Discussing sedation dentistry before treatment provides an opportunity to review the available options and planned procedure.
