What you should know about Sedation Dentistry

Here are some important factors to consider before choosing a sedation dentist:

• Types of Sedation - Finding the right option for you
• How to Prepare — Step-by-step instructions
• What to Expect — The process explained
• Recovery — How long will it take?
• Safety — Your safety ensured

What are my dental sedation options?

A variety of forms of dental sedation are used to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Whether you sit low or high on the anxiety scale, we have an option to ease every level of anxiety.

Recovery from nitrous sedation is very quick and patients are typically able to drive home after their appointment.

Oral Sedation

For minimally to moderately anxious patients. Patients are drowsy but awake.
Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety before and during dental treatment. It is simply taken in pill or liquid form and ingested at a set time before treatment begins. The drug produces a drowsy, calming effect to make the visit to our office a much less stressful experience. Patients given a higher dosage may even feel drowsy enough that the fall asleep during treatment. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.

Oral sedation is simple, safe and has very few side effects, but patients using oral sedation will need a ride to and from their appointment.

IV Sedation

For patients with severe anxiety or undergoing surgical procedures. Patients are conscious but will have no memory of the treatment.
IV sedation is commonly referred to as sleep dentistry because the patient will feel as if they fell asleep and won’t remember the procedure. For IV sedation to work, a specific set of sedatives are administered via IV for the duration of the procedure or procedures. The dentist or anesthesiologist will monitor the patient closely to ensure safety and adjust the level of sedation as needed. Often reserved for oral surgery, IV sedation is also available to those with intense dental anxiety and phobia. It makes dentistry possible for patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist.

Patients will feel fine after treatment with IV Sedation; however, we do not recommend driving and will require patients to have a ride home.

General Anesthesia

For patients with severe anxiety or undergoing complex surgical procedures. Patients are unconscious with no memory of the treatment.
General anesthesia is typically reserved for complex surgical cases such as jaw reconstruction. The patient is put to sleep with an IV and kept asleep with an inhaled anesthesia — just like they do for surgical procedures at a hospital. Patients are attended to by trained anesthesiologists and state-of-the-art monitors that provide sensitive readings of pulse, oxygen levels and blood pressure. Much is done to ensure patients' safety during procedures and their fast recovery from the sedation.

Patients recovering from general anesthesia often feel fatigue or confusion at first. Full recovery typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, which is why patients will need a ride home.

As your appointment approaches, we recognize that you might feel nervous. Please remember that our team at Smile Crafters has handled hundreds of sedation cases and we will take great care of you. Try and get a good night’s rest the night before your appointment, and take careful note of any pre-appointment instructions. We will provide these for you well before your scheduled appointment, and we will happily answer any questions you might have. Never hesitate to call, and most importantly… relax! You will be in good hands!

Your experience with sedation dentistry will largely depend on which form of sedation you have chosen. Whether you are awake during your appointment or in a sleep-like state, we will take every measure necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence. Upon arrival to our practice, our team will greet you and get you checked in. We will then outline your appointment with detailed information on what to expect. Your questions will be answered and your treatment will begin.

Following sedation, most of our patients feel surprisingly good! The sedative or anesthetic, depending on which you chose, may wear off within minutes or a couple of hours. Even though you may feel great after treatment, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home (unless otherwise specified). You will be given detailed post-treatment instructions during your appointment, and if appropriate, Dr. Smith can prescribe medication to lessen any pain.

Can any dentist provide sedation for dental treatment?

Most dentists are able to provide minimal forms of sedation such as inhaled and oral sedation. However, IV sedation and general anesthesia can only be offered by a certified dentist or a dental anesthesiologist.

Our team is licensed and trained to perform inhaled, oral and IV sedation.  Dr. Smith understands your fears and concerns and is here to provide a solution to ease your dental anxiety.

• Complete relaxation during treatment
• Little or no memory of dental procedure
• Multiple treatments can be completed in one visit
• Sedation levels are personalized to your needs
• Fast recovery time for most sedatives
• Great for children or patients with special needs
• Makes it easier to visit the dentist routinely

No pain. No bad memories. Better convenience for you!

There are always risks when drugs are involved; however, the sedatives we use have been around for many years and have been shown in research to offer very low risks. Prior to administering sedation, we will review your medical history to ensure we have chosen the safest option for your individual health. During treatment you will be monitored closely and the sedation levels administered will be adjusted as necessary to meet your needs.

• Do you have dental anxiety or fear visiting the dentist?
• Do you find it difficult to sit still in the dental chair?
• Do you need a lot of dental treatment done?
• Do you have a severe gag reflux?
• Do you have a low threshold for pain?
• Do you have sensitive teeth or gums?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, sedation dentistry can help curb your dental anxiety and make your trip to the dentist a more enjoyable experience. Sedation is not just for those that are fearful of the dentist. It is also an option for those who have highly sensitive teeth, a sensitive gag reflex, or have difficulty remaining still in the chair. Sedation dentistry also allows us to achieve as much treatment as possible in one visit.