I’ve not gone to the dentist since I moved out on my own. My mum found out and said I should try sedation dentistry. I thought it was a good idea but I can’t make heads or tails out of which I should get. There seem to be several kinds. Are they any different?
Lucia
Dear Lucia,
Your mom gave you some good advice. Many patients who avoid dental care because of fear or anxiety find it changes their life for the better.
To answer your question, though, there are three levels of dental sedation. Each is significantly different and not every dentist does all three. First, we’ll go over the types of sedation and then we’ll go over how to find the dentist who uses the level you need.
Nitrous Oxide: Dental Sedation Level One
Almost every dentist has this form of sedation available. Sometimes patients call it laughing gas. It’s the simplest form of sedation. It’s designed to relax you. It works by your dentist putting a small nose piece over your nose which allows you to breathe in the gas. It’s is perfectly safe. The dentist and his or her assistant will keep an eye on you at all times.
You’ll be relaxed and can even sleep through the appointment if you’d like. Children especially fall asleep. Once the procedure is done, they’ll just switch the gas to pure oxygen. You’ll wake up (if you were asleep) and will be perfectly fine to go through your day as normal.
This type of sedation is most useful for those with mild dental anxiety. If you have severe anxiety, you’re welcome to try it to see how you do, but you may need something stronger.
Oral Conscious Sedation: Dental Sedation Level Two
This is for those with more severe anxiety. Your dentist will provide you with a simple pill that you’ll take at a specific time your dentist tells you. Before he’ll provide it for you, he should require a consultation. This is where he’ll go over your medical history and any medication you are currently taking. Be certain you tell him everything, including any over-the-counter meds. This will protect you from him using a sedation medication which will interact negatively with anything you’re on. Honesty is essential. And remember you have doctor/patient confidentiality.
This will relax you completely. You’ll not only be extremely sleepy; you will also be a tad loopy. I’m sure you’ve seen videos on YouTube of people saying silly things after their dental procedure. That was likely with them using Oral Conscious Sedation.
Because of how powerful it is, you will need someone you trust to drive you to and from your appointment. Additionally, you’ll want them to remain with you until the effects of the medication have worn off and you’re lucid again.
The reasons for that are twofold. First, you won’t be thinking as clearly as you normally would and don’t want to risk making a poor decision that could harm you. There’s also a risk you could be taken advantage of under the effects of the medicine, so it is important you’re with someone safe who can look out for your best interests.
Second, you won’t be too steady on your feet. If you need a drink or to use the restroom, it’s best you have someone who can fetch things for you or help you to the restroom as needed.
The upside to all this fuss is you’ll have a completely pain-free and stress-free appointment.
To find a dentist who provides this, you can do an internet search for a sedation dentist or sleep dentistry. Either of those terms should give you a good list of dentists in your area who provide the level of care you’re looking for.
IV Sedation: Dental Sedation Level Three
Not many dentists offer this level. It requires you to receive an I.V. and the dentist needs to go through very specific training. You’ll want to make certain that someone will be monitoring your vital signs throughout the procedure and they’re well versed in emergency protocols. It may or may not put you to sleep, but you won’t remember much, if anything, about the appointment. It’s reserved for those with the highest level of anxiety. Again, I’d do an internet search using I.V. sedation to locate a dentist who does it.
Best of luck to you. This blog is brought to you by Dr. Steven Collins, Baton Rouge Dentist.