Questions to ask When Considering Sedation Dentistry

Most of us avoid pain when we can, and with the use of techniques like sedation dentistry we can make going to the dentist much more pleasant. This may seem hard to believe, but people really don't like going to the dentist much. My own experience with dentistry at a young age, included getting backhanded across the face by my dentist because of the fear of pain. You can only imagine the lengths I went to later in life to avoid ever being in a dental chair again. Several thousand dollars of cosmetic dental surgery later, and a renewed mental toughness, and my teeth are in generally OK shape. Sedation dentistry was the response to trauma and fear like mine.

There are terms you might read concerning sedation dentistry. Here are some definitions:

Sleep Dentistry is an older term describing how a patient perceived their sedation treatment. The patient doesn't sleep during the visit, but it felt as if they were asleep since the memory of the appointment is missing. This term, sleep dentistry, is inaccurate. It may, however, be applied to General Anesthesia.

Anxiety free Dentistry is relaxation. Patients are calm and relaxed in this level of sedation. Patients perceive as if hours go by in minutes due to the sedative effects of the medication.

Sedation Dentistry is the comprehensive term that refers to the use of medication to induce a comfortable dental experience. Patient may take medication before treatment as well as during treatment to maintain comfort levels.

• There are a number of different levels of sedation (minimal, moderate, and deep sedation) depending on the need for pain relief and amount of work done.
• Sedation dentistry generally stays in the top two levels.
• Sedatives are administered either orally, intravenously, or through inhalation.
• The number of dental visits can be reduced since more work can be performed at one time
• Your insurance company may not cover the cost of sedation dentistry.
• Your medical history can disqualify you from being a candidate for sedation dentistry
• There is a small degree of personal health risk associated with the procedure.

• Experience of the dental staff in administering these sedation drugs
• Procedure for medical emergency (how close is the nearest hospital)
• Is the dentist or staff members of DOCS (Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation)
• What kind of training has the staff completed in sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to get needed dental work accomplished. Certain procedures like cosmetic dental surgery, of dental implants use this type of sedation for a relaxing, comfortable, and hassle-free dental experience.