Have you ever seen those videos where people just come out of sedation at the dentist’s office? They seem loopy and whatever they’re saying never makes any sense! This happens when a dentist administers mild sedation on a patient using Nitrous Oxide. Though family members can think a patient coming out of sedation makes a funny video, who is this method for and what actually happens?
Sedation is appropriate for the following people: you need a large amount of dental work done, you have very sensitive teeth, you have a major fear and anxiety that prevents you from going to the dentist, you have a low pain threshold, or you have a bad gag reflex. Now, getting anesthesia is always risky, but it is safe when administered by a qualified professional. Despite this fact, there are some individuals that should not receive this procedure. Individuals who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop complications when receiving anesthesia. Because of that, it is important you talk to your doctor about your medical history in order to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.
So, what exactly is sedation and what types are used in dentistry? First there are several levels of sedation and they include, minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia. Minimal sedation is when the patient is awake but relaxed. Moderate sedation is when the patient is conscious but may not remember much during the procedure. The individual may slur his/her words and can often be described as loopy. Deep sedation can be described as the patient being on the edge of consciousness while still being able to be awakened. General anesthesia is the patient being completely unconscious.
Web MD describes the types of Sedation in Dentistry as such:
Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Ativan or Lorazepam. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can be awakened with a gentle shake.
IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious -- deeply asleep -- during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.
Source: WebMD "Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist's Chair?"
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