Dental anxiety can overwhelm even small dental procedures. Sedation dentistry makes it possible to receive dental work in a calm and comfortable environment. Whether preparing for a wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or more complex jaw surgeries, understanding the various sedation options and their functions can enhance your comfort and clearly understand your upcoming procedure.
Here, we discuss the common sedation methods used in oral surgery.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, your dentist administers sedative medication (often in tablet form) about an hour before your procedure starts. Most dentists use triazolam, which is in the diazepam family. However, your dentist may also prescribe medications such as zaleplon and lorazepam. Dentists frequently use liquid sedation, such as midazolam oral syrup, in pediatric dentistry.
Oral sedation can make you feel very drowsy, and you might even drift off to sleep. But you’ll still be able to speak with your dentist if needed and awaken with a gentle prod. Because oral sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you may require a friend or family member to drive you home after your treatment.
Gas Sedation
Gas sedation is the lightest sedation method commonly used in dentistry. You may have heard of it called laughing gas, but its correct name is nitrous oxide. It’s administered by covering your mouth and nose with a mask.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It offers mild sedative properties, including pain management and anxiety reduction. The drug produces a tranquil, pleasant feeling (hence the nickname, laughing gas.) It’s usually only used in minor procedures.
Advantages of gas sedation include:
- Quick-acting sedation
- Easily clearing from the body
- Being able to drive yourself to and from your appointment
- No needles involved
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
“What is IV sedation dentistry?” is a question that may arise when talking about various dental procedures. It is a method where sedatives are injected directly into the bloodstream, producing an immediate and highly controllable effect. This kind of deep sedation induces a deep relaxation where you are less bothered by the surroundings and experience minimal or no disturbance. It is particularly beneficial for patients with prolonged procedures or sensitive gag reflexes.
Intramuscular Sedation for Children Oral Surgery
This type of sedation works well with young children, who may be hesitant to inhale or struggle with swallowing pills. As the name suggests, it is absorbed into the upper arm muscle, similar to a vaccine. From there, it works like any other mild sedative used in dental procedures.
It’s also true that mild-to-moderate sedation for oral surgery may pose more risks for children than adults. You should always err on the safe side – pediatric oral surgery can be terrifying for your child, so you make it as easy, safe, and peaceful as possible.
Intramuscular sedatives are typically administered via a small injection, typically through the shoulder. The effects take 5 minutes. The child will be relaxed and ready for the upcoming procedure in no time. In the hours following the operation, the child patient may return to their normal state.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia refers to putting the patient to sleep during surgery. This type of anesthesia uses IV sedatives like IV sedation but creates a deeper level of anesthesia without leaving any memory of the actual treatment. This technique is typically used for more intensive operations like the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth, the implantation of dental implants, or any other major oral surgery.
You may be completely unconscious during the treatment. After undergoing general anesthesia, you may not be able to drive yourself home, so make sure to bring a friend or family member with you! You should visit a qualified, experienced oral surgeon to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
