Multiple Sedation Methods Available With Houston Dental Office

One reason many people put off going to the dentist is because they fear the pain associated with many dental procedures. For adults who may have not visited a dentist in recent years, they may not be aware that there are many new sedation techniques available to them at Smile Time Dental. Here’s a look at some of the methods that can make your next visit to the dentist less intimidating and more efficient.

There Are Varying Degrees Of Sedation
When you arrive at Smile Time Dental for your next visit, be sure to ask about the differences in sedation. Typically, patients are sedated by degree to better discover the best level of sedation for each individual and for each procedure. For instance, minimal sedation will keep the patient awake, though he or she will still be relaxed.

With moderate sedation, the patient is still awake, but the sedation is stronger. You’ll typically slur your words when you speak and may have difficulty recalling the procedure. The next level is called deep sedation and, although you are asleep, you can still be awakened if necessary.

General anesthesia is the highest level of sedation. Patients receiving this type of sedation are completely unconscious and cannot be awakened until the anesthetic wears off.

Delivery Methods Vary For Each Type Of Sedation
Minimal sedation is the type with which most people are familiar, because it involves inhaling nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas). This gas is mixed with oxygen, as the patient inhales through a breathing mask. While the dentist can control the amount of nitrous oxide you receive, it wears off quickly. For this reason, this is the only type of sedation with which a patient may drive themselves home, after the procedure.

Moderate sedation is accomplished with an oral medication and Smile Time Dental reviews can be explored to determine just how patients responded to this, or any other type, of sedation. Typically, this is Halcion, which is a derivative of valium. The pill is given approximately one hour before the procedure and the patient will likely feel drowsy throughout the procedure. Sometimes, the dentist may give the patient an additional pill, if he feels it’s necessary.

The dentist may opt for moderate sedation given intravenously instead. This method allows the dentist to more accurately control the level of sedation and can allow the dentist to adjust the sedation medication throughout the procedure.

Finally, deep sedation is accomplished with general anesthesia. Under this type of sedation, the patient is usually unconscious and will not awaken until the sedation medication wears off. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, the patient may have to be given another type of medication to counteract the sedation.

The choices between sedation methods will best be determined by the procedure for which you need to have performed. Always feel welcome to discuss this with your dentist and share your concerns. Through an honest and open discussion, you can both determine the best option for your circumstances.