Millions of people avoid basic dental visits every year, but why is the? People are afraid of pain or discomfort that can accompany dental treatments. Sedation or sleep dentistry can help alleviate those fears. It is important to remember that sleep dentistry is a misnomer. Sedation dentistry involves three basic methods: oral sedatives, intravenous sedatives, and inhalation sedatives.
Intravenous sedatives involve an IV, placing the patient into a twilight sleep, hence the confusion in terminology. Often patients will be down throughout the procedure, allowing them to be unaware of the process altogether.
IV sedation does pose a risk for those with needle phobias. Also, there is no pain relief from the IV, so other numbing agents will also be administered. IV sedation can be dangerous to pregnant women, the elderly, those with allergies, or those experiencing lung, kidney, or liver problems.
Inhalation sedation (laughing gas) is administered as a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask. Normally a thirty percent nitrous oxide, most patients find that they enjoy continued awareness, but a deep level of relaxation and euphoria. The mask can be fitted over the patient’s nose, or by prongs inserted into the nostrils. The gas only takes thirty seconds to take effect.
The main advantage of inhalation sedation is that the dentist can adjust the level of sedation as needed, without a worry of wearing off, and once it is removed, the patient will recover instantaneously, without a hangover. Though a light headed feeling may be experienced initially, there is no continued effect so a patient can drive themselves home. Only women who are pregnant past their first trimester should be concerned with side effects from inhalation sedation.
The third method of sedation used in dentistry is oral, a pill to reduce apprehensiveness. Depending on the patient’s fears, a sleep aid the preceding evening may even be utilized to alleviate apprehension. It is important to remember that with oral sedatives arrangements for transportation need to be made as operating a vehicle is unsafe under this method of sedation.
The most common oral sedatives belong to the benzodiazepine family, often referred to as “benzos”. Benzos can help a patient achieve calmness, and make them feel drowsy with a feeling of freedom and remove inhibitions.
Not all patients will be able to utilize sedation due to the number of side effects. Liver, lung, and heart problems can be found. Additionally those with allergies or pregnant women should be cautious. Some Cincinnati dentists will not use oral sedatives as they are unpredictable at times. Other dentists chose the oral route for their strength. It is important for a patient to remember to take the sedatives exactly as prescribed as problems with strength and addiction may arise.
There is absolutely no shame in fear of dental visits. Cincinnati area dentists understand the phobias that can manifest in their offices. Their major concern is the oral health of the patients, and wish for them to be comfortable when visiting.
