4 Types of Sedation Dentistry

The dentist can use several types of sedation dentistry to help patients relax in the dental chair. Listed below are the major types of sedation provided to the patients at a dental practice.  

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a controlled gas that you inhale throughout your dental appointment. It can help you relax and feel more at ease. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation options available. Recovery is quick, and you will be able to return to your daily activities immediately after your appointment.

Your dentist will carefully monitor you throughout your treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation wears off quickly, so you will need to have someone available to drive you home from the dentist’s.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry allows the dentist to sedate a patient without the use of needles. This type of sedation dentistry uses a pill that is taken about an hour before the dental procedure. The patient will still be able to respond to commands, but will not remember much about the dental procedure.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation involves the administration of sedatives through an IV. The patient does not fall asleep, but he or she will feel extremely relaxed and comfortable. The patient’s anxiety will melt away, and the dentist can perform any dental procedure, including invasive procedures without causing the patient any pain. After the procedure is complete, the dentist will bring the patient out of sedation and he or she will be awake and alert.

General Anesthesia

Sedation dentistry procedures may use general anesthesia, though not all dentists are trained or equipped to administer it. However, general sedation is administered by anesthesiologists and anesthetists, who focus solely on this type of sedation and are trained to manage patients during general anesthesia.

Conclusion

The type of sedation used for a patient depends on the type of dental procedure and the age of the patient. The dentist will also consider various other factors like medical history before deciding on the type of sedation.

Our dentists at Rand Center for Dentistry in  Flanders, NJ, provide the best dentistry solutions and the best dental care for patients. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call (973) 370-8917.