Sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly popular as patients seek options to make dental treatment more relaxing. While the use of sedation can take some of the stress and anxiety out of dentistry, patients often have concerns or questions about it before making a decision. Here are some common questions that arise regarding sedation dentistry.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation is generally safe for most patients. Unless you have a particular health condition that would make sedation risky for you, there is no reason to avoid it. Your primary care physician or other medical professional whose care you are under can provide insight on the level of risk that sedation would pose for you. Your dentist will ask you the necessary questions to gather a medical history and list of medications you are taking to ensure that sedation is safe for you and will not cause any interference.
What Types of Sedation Are Available?
Sedation is categorized by 4 different types:
- Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas you breathe through a mask placed over your nose. It provides a relaxed, calming sensation that can make dental treatment less intimidating for anxious patients.
- Conscious oral sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed in pill or liquid form that you can take in advance of your procedure. You will remain conscious, but feel more relaxed and possibly a little sleepy.
- IV sedation. Medication can be administered intravenously that provides a deeper level of sedation. It is used mostly for oral surgery procedures.
- General anesthesia. General anesthesia is hospital level sedation used for surgery. It may be used for more invasive dental procedures such as jaw surgery.
Most general dentistry practices offer nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation for dental procedures.
How Long Does it Take For Sedation to Wear Off?
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within a few minutes of the mask being removed and you resume breathing regular room air. You can return to your regular daily activities immediately after having nitrous oxide. Oral sedation can take a few hours to wear off depending on how quickly your body expels the medication. IV sedation and general anesthesia typically take longer to wear off, requiring you to rest at home for the remainder of the day.
Can I Drive After Sedation?
You can drive after nitrous oxide as long as you are feeling well. All other forms of sedation will require you to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. It is also a good idea to have someone stay with you until the effects of sedation have worn off completely.
What Type of Sedation is the Safest?
Due to what you have already learned about nitrous oxide, you can probably guess that it is the safest form of sedation. It takes effect quickly and wears off quickly without any residual side effects for most patients. It has the lowest risk of an allergic reaction as no medication is entering your bloodstream. Nitrous oxide is simply a special mix of oxygen and nitrogen that you breathe in to help you relax.
Am I a Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
If you feel nervous or anxious when it comes to receiving dental treatment, or if you are having an invasive procedure such as oral surgery, you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry.
Call R. Renan Williams DDS at 817-281-4801 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.