Dentist: Types of Sedation Methods
Many dentist appointments require patients to be sedated so that they are either more relaxed or cannot feel anything during the treatment. There are a few common kinds, and you should know the main types before your appointment.
If you have a dentist appointment set up,
you might be wondering what kinds of techniques may be used to sedate you, if necessary. Knowing the main types often used at most offices can help you be prepared. In some cases, you may have a choice of the type of product used to keep you from feeling pain, so be sure to tell your dentist if you have a preference.
One of the most common methods of sedation is nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is inhaled by the patient and causes a relaxed mood. In many cases, it is complemented by local anesthesia so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Clearly, this is only necessary when the treatment involves some pain or discomfort.
Some dentists use general anesthesia to knock the patient out during certain procedures. Some patients prefer this, especially if they are usually uncomfortable or anxious at their dental appointments. This is usually necessary during most types of oral surgery, when a great deal of pain or discomfort is to be expected. On the other hand, some patients dislike not being aware of what is going on, and some procedures even require that the patient stay conscious so that they can report any issues or unexpected discomfort.
Many dental offices offer oral sedatives that can help calm the patient. These are usually given either the night before the appointment, or a couple hours before the treatment. They do not offer pain relief, just a feeling of relaxation, so local anesthesia usually has to be used in conjunction. This method allows patients to respond to commands during the procedure, but allows them to feel extremely relaxed.
You may have a preference as to which type of sedation method you prefer, so in most cases it is okay to let your dentist know what you want. However, some procedures require a certain type. For example, if your dentist needs you to be able to talk and respond to comments during the treatment, you cannot be unconscious, and will likely need to use local anesthesia combined with a form of relaxation treatment. Some types of surgery, on the other hand, require you to be unconscious since the level of pain is usually too much for other types of sedation. It is nice to know ahead of time which method will be used so that you can prepare, especially when it comes to getting a ride home when necessary.
