Sedation Dentistry
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the process of administering medication to relax the patient’s mind and body before a dental procedure begins.
At Smile Workshop, we understand that a visit to the dentist isn’t always fun for every patient, and that’s okay! We want you to have a comfortable, safe experience at our office. Whether you’re getting a routine cavity filling or a root canal, we offer a variety of effective sedation dentistry options for patients.
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Levels of Sedation Used at the Dentist
There are four general levels of sedation. Ultimately, our dentists draw from their deep familiarity with the different sedation dentistry medications to choose which type he or she believes will serve the patient best.
Nonetheless, the patient is always encouraged to offer an opinion. Because we know that the dentist’s chair can be a stressful place, we want to work with you to find the best sedation dentistry option to make you comfortable and safe.
Below are the four general types of sedation used during sedation dentistry.
Minimal Sedation
When it comes to sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide is the mildest option available. Nitrous oxide is frequently referred to as “laughing gas”.
Throughout the dental procedure, the patient remains awake, inhaling the nitrous oxide which ensures that he or she remains relaxed.
Moderate Sedation
Twilight anesthesia is a term frequently used when referring to moderate sedation. Moderate sedation relaxes the patient to a point where he or she is semi-conscious. The patient will not remember much of the dental procedure.
One of the main benefits of using twilight anesthesia in sedation dentistry is that the patient can wake up rather quickly. After the procedure the patient may slur his or her speech, however, this side effect is short-lived.
Deep Sedation
With deep sedation, the patient is semi-conscious during the dental procedure. The difference between moderate sedation and deep sedation is that with deep sedation, the patient receives breathing tubes.
Usually, following the procedure, the patient will not remember much. Even when this form of sedation is used, the patient is easy to wake up.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation available. This type of anesthesia is used during surgical procedures at hospitals and surgery centers.
General anesthesia causes the patient to fall into a deep sleep. The patient remains asleep during the entire dental procedure. Following the procedure the patient will need some time to wake up.
Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, the medications used for sedation dentistry are safe, which makes this option ideal for individuals who experience dental-related anxiety.
To determine which sedation dentistry option is best for a patient, the dentist will review the patient’s medical history. Our dentists will also discuss any risks and potential complications with patients prior to receiving any type of sedation.
Does Sedation Dentistry Really Work?
Yes, many patients fear the dentist or just have general anxiety when it comes to lengthy, more invasive procedures. Sedation dentistry was created especially to minimize this feeling that so many people experience.
This process of oral sedation has been proven to be extremely effective in allowing patients to become relaxed before dental procedures. In addition, sedation increases the cooperation of patients with a high level of dental-related anxiety.
Furthermore, sedation dentistry can be used when a patient has medical issues such as diabetes, epilepsy, autism, and cardiovascular disease.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
In general, the cost of sedation dentistry for a patient depends on office location, dental insurance coverage, and the dentist that the patient chooses to perform his or her dental procedure.
Some insurance companies refuse to cover the cost of sedation dentistry.
However, there may be exceptions to this rule, such as if…
- coverage lowers the cost of the actual treatment
- the patient is undergoing a multiplex procedure (e.g., multiple teeth are being extracted, gum surgery etc.)
- the treatment has to be delayed because of the patient’s dental-related anxiety
- the patient has a medical condition requiring sedation dentistry for the procedure to be carried out
For more information on the costs of sedation dentistry services, please contact your Smile Workshop office today.