Sedation Dentistry
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation for dentistry is the use of medications to make patients more comfortable and reduce anxiety during dental procedures. While sedated, all dental treatment will be completed in a pain-free and comfortable environment. An added benefit is that most patients also report having little to no memory of their procedure the next day. We aim to make sedation dentistry your best dental experience yet!
Who can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a great choice for patients who experience dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, or have difficulty getting completely numb. Sedation can also make longer procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and crowns more comfortable and relaxing even for patients who don’t have high dental anxiety. Soulsmile is one of the few dental offices in Southern Oregon that is able to provide this service to our patients.
Is Sedation Safe?
Sedation has advanced tremendously since its first use by a dentist in 1846. Safety is our primary concern. A thorough pre-anesthesia assessment will be conducted by Dr. DeCillis to ensure that you can safely undergo sedation. All medications administered are safe and carry minimal risks as long as the person receiving sedation is healthy. The side effects are minimized when administered and monitored properly. We have top-of-the-line safety equipment and Dr. DeCillis will never leave the room during the sedation. All of your vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure and until we have determined that you are safe to go home.
Is There More Than One Type of Sedation?
Yes, there are several different types of sedation available depending on the level of anxiety and the procedure that is planned. Dr. DeCillis works with each patient to determine the proper level of sedation based on the patient’s medical history and treatment plan. The levels of sedation include:
Nitrous Oxide: An inhaled sedation method that is administered through an oxygen mask during dental procedures. The patient will remain conscious while taking nitrous oxide, but in a more relaxed, “euphoric” state. Occasionally, patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep during the procedure, but they can be easily woken up once the nitrous oxide is no longer being administered.
Pros:
Wears off quickly, no need for an escort
Safe and effective for patients of all ages, including children
Cons:
Can cause headaches, fatigue, shivering, nausea or vomiting in rare cases
Does not cause memory loss
Mild Sedation: Sometimes known as “oral sedation”, this form of sedation is for mild anxiety relief. The patient will take a pill administered in-office usually in conjunction with nitrous oxide. The patient will stay awake during the procedure, but will feel a sense of relaxation from the medications. Patients can respond to verbal commands, cognitive function and coordination are impaired; however, breathing is mostly unaffected.
Pros:
No IV (needles) involved
Patient is awake and responsive but relaxed
Most patients have limited memory of the procedure
Cons:
Longer onset time
Patient will need an escort
May not be enough sedation for some patients
Moderate Sedation: Involves intravenous (IV) or oral medications, in different combinations and higher dosage. IV medications are administered directly into the bloodstream and work rapidly to induce the intended level of sedation. Nitrous oxide is also generally administered in conjunction with moderate sedation. The medications provide anxiety relief and target pain control. This combination alters the patient’s state of awareness resulting in the patient experiencing almost no memory of the procedure being performed.
Pros:
Medications can be gradually increased during the procedure to achieve the desired level of sedation without overdosing
Works very well for people with high dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, and difficulty getting numb
Allows for more dental treatment to be completed
Recovery time in the office is minimal
Cons:
Patient will need an escort
Requires placement of an IV in the hand or arm which can cause some bruising around the IV site, especially if it takes more than one attempt to start the IV
May not be an option for everyone depending on health history
Who Is Administering the Sedation?
Dr. DeCillis will administer the medications and your vital signs will be continually monitored throughout the entire sedation. A trained anesthesia monitor will also be present to record your vital signs. Emergency equipment will be readily available and reversal agents for the sedative medications will be present in the rare event of over-sedation. Our office performs sedation with the use of oral medications and nitrous oxide. We may recommend referral to either a periodontist or oral surgeon specialist if IV sedation is required for treatment. will make every effort to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience!