Dr. Higgs | Dr. Shumake

Dr. Higgs | Dr. Shumake

Sedation Dentistry

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry simply means having dental treatment performed while sedated. Some people also refer to this as “sleep dentistry” because most patients do sleep when sedated. However, it should not be confused with the dental treatments aimed at treating sleep disorders (this is also sometimes called “sleep dentistry”).

Sedation dentistry allows the patient to undergo dental procedures while in a state of sleep or reduced awareness. It also produces a mild form of amnesia so that even patients who do not actually sleep don’t remember the time spent in the dental chair.

What Are the Different Types of Sedation?

There are several different types of sedation used in dentistry today. They each require different certifications and licensing. They all have different pros and cons, discussed here. 

Minimal and Moderate Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide technically isn’t sedation. It may help some patients relax enough that they do fall asleep, but it does not produce sleep on its own. It is classified as an anxiolytic medication. This means that it reduces anxiety. Most patients stated that the appointment seems to go by more quickly when using nitrous oxide. There is typically a reduced awareness of the sights, sounds, and other sensations of a dental procedure.

The wonderful thing about nitrous oxide is that your body quickly eliminates it from the system once you breathe oxygen for 5 minutes. This means there is no lingering effect and no need for someone else to drive you to your dental appointment.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves the administration of an oral medication (pill) that is a sedative and typically does cause patients to sleep deeply throughout their procedures. Even those patients who do not sleep and seem to be aware of what is going on have little to no memory of the dental procedure afterward.

Oral sedation requires additional education and certification on the part of the administering dentist because it carries a higher risk of complications than nitrous oxide does. Because it does have a lingering effect and takes time for your body to metabolize, patients who take oral sedation medication must have a responsible adult accompany and drive them to and from the appointment.

IV Sedation: A Deeper Level of Comfort

IV sedation involves placing a small IV into the arm and delivering a safe sedative into your system. You will slowly enter a sleep-like state, making the procedure completely comfortable. IV sedation is medically safe and is typically necessary for extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, and more complicated dental procedures.

Dr. Rich Higgs and his team’s first goal is to provide a comfortable pain-free experience during any dental work. There are a few reasons why IV sedation might be the best option for you. You might be undergoing oral surgery or an incredibly complicated procedure and would rather be asleep for it. Likewise, we might recommend this sedative if you are unable to sit still or relax for treatment. IV sedation can take the trouble out of sitting for treatment, and you’ll find it’s easier for both our staff and yourself.

Most patients coming into our office are good candidates for IV sedation. We will review all health and medical history prior to suggesting any type of sedative. If you are unable to undergo sedation, it is important that you tell us this during your appointment. IV sedation can be used on both children and adult patients who may need it.

IV Sedation begins by having the patient lay back on one of our state-of-the-art dental chairs. We then place a small IV into your arm and deliver a safe, effective sedative into your system. Without about 15 minutes, you will begin to enter a sleep-like state. We then perform the procedure as needed. The IV is removed from your arm and you are taken to one of our recovery rooms. You are given enough time to wake up so that you can leave the office. It is important that you have a friend or relative there who can bring you home from the appointment when needed.

 

Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?

Anyone whose fear or anxiety over dental treatment prevents them from seeking vital oral healthcare should consider the option of sedation dentistry. It is also a good option for patients who require a large amount of dental treatment and prefer to complete it in one long visit. Patients with mental or physical challenges that make it difficult to calmly sit in the dental chair could also benefit from sedation.

Please be aware that not all patients are good candidates for sedation dentistry. Medical conditions, medications, and other factors play an important role in a patient’s ability to be a good candidate for different types of sedation.

Precautions Regarding Sedation Dentistry

Because sedation involves prescription medications that affect your body as a whole, especially your breathing, it is absolutely essential that you discuss your complete medical history with your dentist. You may be taking medications that could interact with the sedative. You could have a lung problem that would prevent nitrous oxide from taking effect. People who have developed a tolerance for opioid narcotics or valium-type drugs may experience a different effect of sedation medication.

In order for your dentist to ensure your safety and comfort during sedation dentistry, you must fully disclose any medical conditions, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illicit substances you use.

For more information on sedation dentistry, read our blog on Sedation Dentistry: Your Path to Stress-Free Dental Wellness.

Our team has delivered outstanding dental care in Chandler for over 20 years. We are committed to providing our community with safe, gentle, high-quality dental care.

Questions or Concerns?

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.

As a top dentist in Chandler, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.