Sedation Dentistry

 

The 2 most common types of Sedation (Sedation Dentistry) used by General and Restorative Dentists who utilize sedation are:

  • Oral Conscious Sedation
  • Inhalation Sedation

With Oral (Enteral) Conscious Sedation and Inhalation Conscious Sedation, the patient will experience a state of very deep relaxation.  You can still speak and respond to the requests of others.

IV Sedation requires specialized training and certification.  We hope we'll be able to provide this service by the end of 2008.

 

Oral Sedation

This Oral Medication used for Oral Conscious Sedation in dentistry are from a group of drugs known as Benzodiazapines.  Not only do these medications have a sedative effect they also have some degree of amnesic effect for most people.  Patients remember little or nothing about their dental appointment.

Advantages to Dental Oral Sedation:

  • Easy to administer: Swallow a small pill
  • It is safe and easy to monitor
  • Works well for most people
  • Low Cost

Disadvantages of Dental Oral Sedation:

  • The level of Sedation is not easily changed
  • Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment
  • There is no analgesic (pain relief effect)

What medications are used for Dental Oral Sedation?

  • The most common medication is Halcion (triazolam).  Halation provides a deep level of relaxation and amnesia effect.
  • For children the most common medication is Versed (Medazolan) which is a liquid.

 

Inhalation Conscious Sedation

Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen ("laughing gas") has been used as the most frequent and primary means of Sedation used in Dentistry for many years.  35% of all US dentists offer Nitrous Oxide Sedation to their patients.

Advantages of Dental Inhalation Sedation:

  •  Works well for mild to moderate anxiety
  • Rapid Onset
  • Flexible duration can be used for any appointment length
  • Absolute Control. It is easy to quickly control the level of sedation which may be altered moment to moment.
  • People recover quickly
  • Very few side effects
  • You can drive yourself to and from your dental appointment
  • You can return to normal activities immediately

Disadvantages of Dental Inhalation Sedation:

  • Severe anxiety may require a deeper level of sedation
  • Not indicated for people who have respiratory problems (Asthma and Emphysema)
  • Claustrophobic patients do not like anything covering their nose

What medications are used for Dental Inhalation Sedation?

  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
  • Oxygen (O2)

The safety features of the medication insure a patient receives no less than 30% Oxygen mixed with Nitrous Oxide.  Usually the patient receives 50 to 70% Oxygen.