Sedation Dentistry 101
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, patient comfort is number one on our priority list. That’s why we offer a variety of sedation dentistry to help our patients get necessary dental care in the most relaxing way possible. We highly recommend sedation dentistry for any patient who needs a little extra help during an appointment or has an extensive treatment plan.
The Origins of Sedation Dentistry
The concept of sedation dentistry is as old as dentistry itself. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of dental pain relief dating back more than 2,000 years. Modern dental sedation with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, was first used in 1800, after a man named Humphry Davy experimented with it to ease the pain of an erupted wisdom tooth. Since then, and after many scientific advancements, sedation dentistry has become a widely accepted way to keep patients comfortable and relaxed while receiving dental care.
Types of Sedation
Our practice offers oral conscious sedation, but there are other types of sedation available. Many general dentists use nitrous oxide to provide light sedation, and most oral surgeons, periodontists, and a few general dentists offer IV sedation, the highest level of sedation available. Oral conscious sedation provides moderate sedation. That means the patient is very relaxed but still awake and able to communicate with their dental team.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a pill about an hour before they’re scheduled to undergo treatment. The pill will gradually relax them until they are in a state of extreme calm. While under oral conscious sedation, the patient will feel no pain, fear, or anxiety.
The sedative effects of oral conscious sedation last for several hours, making it ideal for lengthy treatments. After the sedative wears off, the patient has little to no memory of their time in our office. This is especially helpful for patients who are nervous in clinical settings or around medical instruments.
IMPORTANT: Since oral conscious sedation comes on and wears off gradually, patients must arrange transportation to and from our office. It is not safe for a patient to drive once they have taken a sedative pill, even if they can’t yet feel the effects. We also recommend that the patient stay home for the rest of the day after treatment under sedation. While the sedative effect will not last more than a few hours, the patient may still feel groggy or tired for the remainder of the day. Plus, rest promotes healing.
Why Choose Sedation
We recommend sedation for a variety of reasons, including:
- Dental fear or anxiety
- Difficulty getting numb
- Extreme sensitivity
- Extensive treatment
- Hypersensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Sensory issues
Whatever the reason, there is no shame in requesting sedation. On the contrary, we are proud of our patients who ask us about sedation dentistry. It means they understand that prioritizing their oral health benefits their overall well-being and they are willing to let us help them.
If you are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry at our office located in Denton, MD, please call to schedule an appointment. We are here to help and look forward to your call!
