Overview Of Sedation Dentistry
Posted on: 20 December 2019
Some people go to great lengths to avoid dental treatments and dentists in general. Some people even choose to endure dental pain rather than face the dentist. If you are such a person, then you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Below is an overview of sedation dentistry.
What It Means
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to relax dental patients and help them avoid the discomfort and pain associated with dental treatment. Once you are properly sedated, the dentist can perform their tasks without worrying about your pain or discomfort. Sedation ensures fast and effective treatment because the patient is less likely to disturb the dentist.
Levels of Sedation
There are various levels of sedation the dentist may advise you to get. The first level is that of mild sedation that is only meant to relax you. You will be able to know and understand what is going on if you are mildly sedated. The second level is that of moderate sedation, where you are still conscious but your awareness of the surrounding is severely limited. At the end of moderate sedation, you will only remember your procedure in bits and pieces.
Deep sedation, the third level, takes you to the edge of consciousness where you are not aware of the surrounding at all. The dentist can still wake you if there is a need, but you won't remember any of the treatment procedures once the dentist is done. The highest level of sedation involves the use of general anesthesia. In this level, you are fully unconscious, the dentist cannot wake you easily, and you won't remember anything that happened during your sedation.
Safety of Sedation Dentistry
Some people doubt the safety of sedation dentistry. It is understandable that those who have a fear of dental treatments might also have a fear of dental sedation. While sedation dentistry is generally safe, it does have some risk, just like other forms of dental or medical treatments.
There are also measures you can take to lower the risk even further. For example, you should disclose all medications you are currently taking so that they don't interfere with your sedation. You should also disclose your age, health problems, and medical history to the dentist to help them determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure and your dosage. Lastly, you should follow your dentist's advice religiously. For example, if the dentist advises you to avoid certain things (such as food or drinks) before your sedation, do it.
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