Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers those with an extreme fear of dentists to undergo the treatment they need without the anxiety that normally accompanies any attempt to get dental care. There are some common misconceptions about the use of sedation dentistry and these are some of the frequently asked questions about the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry the same thing as sleep dentistry?

No, with sedation dentistry, the patient is not actually put to sleep. However, many patients feel that they have been asleep since they may feel sleepy afterwards and are not aware of time having passed. While a cosmetic dentistry procedure may take hours to complete, they may not feel that they have been in the chair for more than a few minutes or that anything has been done to their teeth. However, they are awake so that they can cooperate with the dentist if needed.

What is the difference between sedation and anesthesia?

Sedation is used to relax the patient and prevent them from having anxiety that they would normally experience during dental treatment without inducing sleep. It does not prevent pain and an anesthetic injection must still be used. However, it will be applied after the sedation so that the patient isn’t usually even aware of the injection. Anesthesia, on the other hand, is just for prevention of pain.

How is the sedation administered?

While the primary method of administering sedation in the past was through an IV, the most common method used today is oral sedation since patients prefer the no-needle method. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled.

Can every dentist administer sedation?

While sedation is a safe and effective way of providing dental care for those experiencing anxiety, it should only be administered by a trained professional. The dentist and staff should all be trained in the sedation procedures they use. Dentists who use sedation dentistry are required to have specialized training in the techniques as well as the equipment and medications tat are used.

If you have been putting off going to the dentist because of your fear, you have another option. Dental care is an important part of staying healthy and preventing illnesses from occurring. With sedation dentistry, you have the option of getting the care you need without the fear and anxiety or the need for induced sleep.