Sedation dentistry lets your dentist perform even the most complex dental procedures without any trouble. It involves using medication to put the patient in a sleep-like state, which is why it is also known as sleep dentistry.
Some levels of sedation include:
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Minimal Sedation
- Moderate Sedation
- Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia
Sedation will put you in a sleep-like state but you will be well aware of your surrounding and may even be able to talk to your dentist. However, general anesthesia, which is used in a few procedures, will leave you completely unconscious.
Sedation dentistry is for anyone who is scared of being in the dentist’s chair. Additionally, some dental procedures can be extremely painful and may not be performed without some form of sedation. If you have a dental phobia or low pain tolerance then speak to us to see if sedation might be for you.
Some common types of sedation include:
- Inhaled minimal sedation - You inhale laughing gas (nitrous oxide) through your nose. The effect is mild and washes away in a few hours.
- Oral sedation - You will be given a pill, about 60 minutes before the procedure, to calm you down. This will put you in a sleep-like state for a good few hours.
- IV moderate sedation - This type of sedation is administered through an injection and works very quickly. The dentist needs to constantly keep an eye on the level of sedation and adjust it accordingly.
- General anesthesia - This will make you unconscious with the help of medicines. Only licensed dentists like Bobby Jivnani in Texas can use this form of sedation.
In addition to this, a local anesthetic may also be used.
