Dental Sedation

By Reno Laser Dentistry

January 14, 2012

Category: Sedation

Tags: Reno Laser Dentistry Reno Dentist Reno Dental Oral Care Sedation

We look at the calendar and see the routine six month check-up; have you ever given it much thought about which dental sedation is best for you? Have you gone over the differences with your dentist? Of course each patient has a different situation and depending on the treatment plan your dentist can explain which one is best for your situation.

According to the editors at docshop.com, “sedation dentistry is just the term for anesthesia during dental treatments.

Oral sedatives: Oral sedative medications such as diazepam can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour before the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.
Intravenous (IV) sedation: Like oral sedatives, intravenous (IV) sedation does not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered in conjunction with this method of dental sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation: In one form of conscious inhalation sedation, nitrous oxide gas (also known as laughing gas) is used to induce a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in combination with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate pain.
General Anesthesia: This method of dental sedation refers to the use of anesthetic to render the patient unconscious. Unlike other sedation methods, the patient will be completely unaware of his or her surroundings, making the use of local anesthetic unnecessary.

Degrees of Dental Sedation

The four dental sedation methods listed above can provide varying degrees of sedation. These include:

Anxiolysis: This refers to methods of inducing “light sedation.” There are several forms of sedatives that result in anxiolysis; however, nitrous oxide, a form of inhalation sedation, is the most commonly used method to bring on this type of relaxation.
Conscious sedation: Moderate dental sedation can refer to either nitrous oxide or IV sedation. These sedatives can induce conscious sedation, where the patient will be awake and able to respond to commands, but will be in a state of extreme relaxation.
Deep sedation: Deep sedation refers to a state between unconscious and conscious dental sedation. Patients will not be able to respond to commands in a consistent manner and may need some assistance with breathing in the event that they are unable to keep their airway open.
Unconsciousness: General anesthesia causes the airway to close. As a result, patients will need assistance with breathing and will not respond to commands. This method of dental sedation is reserved for oral surgery.”

You can read the full article at http://www.docshop.com/education/dental/sedation-dentistry

Due to advances in the dental industry patients have no need to fear dental appointments we need to embrace our oral health and make it a priority. Contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno to set-up an appointment today.