There are different types of sedation that are applicable to the dental procedure being performed. Sleep sedation is employed for many surgical procedures. But there are many patients that have such a fear of seeing their dental provider, even for the most benign procedures, that conscious sedation has been made more readily available.
Oral conscious sedation is used for patients that:
- Experience such a genuine fear that even getting their teeth cleaned is impossible.
- Cannot sit or recline comfortably.
- Patients preparing for lengthy procedures.
- Patients with a physical or mental handicap that make the dental appointment difficult.
The patient will take a sedative at home approximately one hour before their scheduled appointment. Reliable transportation both to and from the dental appointment is needed as the patient will be unable to drive. Even having someone to accompany the patient for several hours after returning home is advisable. The patient will likely be told not to return to work or school following this appointment.
Sedation allows these anxious patients to have much needed treatment and multiple procedures performed quite often during just one appointment.
Upon arrival at their dental appointment, the patient is already somewhat relaxed, but is given an additional sedative to place them in a very relaxed, but conscious, condition. Their vital signs are continually monitored for their safety and comfort.
The dentist or hygienist can perform needed treatment without the angst of the patient’s discomfort. This makes the procedure better for both the patient and provider.
At the conclusion of treatment, the patient is kept at the dental office until they are safely prepared to leave the office, but may remain groggy for the remainder of the day. And although they have been conscious the entire time, most patients feel they have slept through their appointment and remember very little of it.
Sedation allows these anxious patients to have much needed treatment and multiple procedures performed quite often during just one appointment.
Sleep sedation is often used when removing impacted third molars (wisdom teeth), reconstructive surgery, repairs following trauma or to correct dental issues such as birth defects. With sleep sedation, the patient is not conscious during treatment.
Whichever form of sedation your dentist recommends, you can relax in the knowledge that your dentist has been fully trained, along with the dental staff, to provide you with the most safe, comfortable and excellent dental treatment available.
To learn more about your sedation options, contact the office of Dr. John Withers at (940) 293-2635 today.