WHO SHOULD CONSIDER SEDATION?

 

You may benefit from sedation if you experience substantial stress, fear and anxiety when visiting the dentist. Both the use of nitrous oxide and oral medication (called Oral Sedation) are forms of sedation used by our office. Many people have a fear of needles, have difficulty getting numb, or have a significant gag reflex.  All these patients can be treated comfortably using either nitrous oxide or oral sedation, or a combination of both when appropriate.

 

ORAL SEDATION

 

If you require numerous dental procedures, or if your fear of dental treatment is “severe”, you might consider the use of oral sedation. Oral sedation is often referred as "Sedation Dentistry" or “Conscious Sedation”. Oral sedation will allow most people to overcome the stress, fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment so they can relax during their dental visit. Oral sedation is safe, affordable and effective.

By law, all patients undergoing oral sedation must have a driver accompany them to and from our dental facility. Patients undergoing oral sedation are closely monitored by our highly trained sedation team using a pulse oximeter.  A pulse oximeter is a machine that connects to the patient’s finger and allows us to monitor how deeply a patient is sedated. The oral medications used for oral sedation are a group of drugs known as Benzodiazapines. Not only do these medications have a sedative effect, but they also have some degree of amnesic effect for most people. As a result, patients often remember little or nothing about their dental appointment. The most common medication used for oral sedation is Halcion (triazolam). Halcion provides a deep level of relaxation and amnesia effect. Its sedative effect is reversible using a reversing agent that may be used by the doctor depending on the level of sedation. Patients who are on other medications should consult with their medical doctor prior to taking sedatives. Previous allergic reactions to other drugs should also be reported to the doctor.

 

NITROUS OXIDE

 

Nitrous oxide and oxygen (AKA "laughing gas") has been used as the most frequent and primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years, and is deemed exceptionally safe and effective for a more mild sedation effect.

The advantages of using nitrous oxide for sedation include its rapid onset and its lack of side effects. You are able to return to your normal activities immediately, and there is no need for a driver to accompany you to your appointment. Note that nitrous sedation is not indicated for patients who suffer from respiratory problems (asthma or emphysema), nor claustrophobic patients who are opposed to wearing a mask over their nose.