Sedation Dentistry

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Certain individuals avoid the dentist at all costs, choosing to live with cavities, gum disease and more, as they fear the chair more than anything. Others put off visiting a dental practitioner until the pain has become so overwhelming they can no longer live with it. This phobia is more common than many people realize, and it shows in oral health statistics. This doesn't need to be the case, however, thanks to sedation dentistry. Dentists use sedation for those dentists who experience anxiety, whether they are simply having a cavity filled or need to have their teeth cleaned. It's no longer reserved only for major work. What Is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to allow a patient to relax when they The dosage of the pill determines the amount of sedation provided, anywhere from minimal to moderate, and it usually taken approximately one hour before the dental work takes place. Patients tend to remain awake with minimal sedation, but may dose off is a bigger dose is given. If a patient does fall asleep, he or she can easily be woken up once the work is done. Laughing gas or nitrous oxide combined with oxygen is another form of minimal sedation. The dentist determines the amount of sedation needed, and patients find the effects wear off quickly. Patients who choose this option drive themselves home after the dental work is finished, and this is the only type of sedation where this is an option. Moderate sedation may also be obtained through the use of a sedative drug provided via IV. This sedation works quickly, and the dentist can change the amount of sedation provided at any time during the procedure. Some patients like knowing they don't have to worry about the sedation wearing off before they are done. For those with a strong fear of the dentist, general anesthesia or deep sedation offers the highest level of unconsciousness. Patients using these medications will be totally or almost unconscious throughout the work. Patients can't be easily awakened until the sedation wears off or until medication is provided to reverse the One those who have completed a program in general anesthesia or deep sedation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation can provide this type of care, and some practices now employ a dentist anesthesiologist for this reason. The dentist anesthesiologist undergoes training in every type of sedation for both adults and children. The Safety Of Sedation Dentistry Individuals need to understand the use of anesthesia always comes with risks. In most cases, however, it's safe when administered by someone with the proper training. Certain individuals, such as those with obstructive sleep apnea or ones who are obese, need to speak to their physician before being sedated, as their risk of complications is higher. Dentists need to take certain steps also when providing sedation. They need to have a complete medical history of the patient, know which medications are currently being taken and review the risks with the patient. Vital signs need to be monitored throughout the procedure, and drugs that reverse the sedation effects and oxygen on hand at all

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