Health Blog

  Although millions of people go to the dentist every day without incident, others experience anxiety or irritation. Fortunately, methods such as sedation dentistry are available to help ensure that patients remain comfortable and at ease throughout any dental appointment. According to the American Dental Association, sedation is a safe and approved way to ease patients through dental appointments and dental work. Through safe sedation practices, patients who might otherwise have avoided dentist can access care with minimal to no discomfort. How Conscious Sedation Works First, conscious sedation is not the same as full sedation, where the patient is rendered entirely unconscious through the use of anesthesia. Generally, conscious sedation falls into one of the three categories listed below: · Light Sedation (Anxiolysis): Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and, possibly, oral medications are used to promote relaxation. Patients who are minimally sedated will feel calm, awake, and responsive throughout the dental appointment. Although they may experience slight impairment in cognitive and motor skills while sedated, these patients will likely be able to remember the appointment later on. · Mild to Moderate Sedation: Patients are given nitrous oxide, oral medications, or IV treatment to promote a deeper state of relaxation. One popular option is the “one pill” technique, in which a patient takes one small pill of triazolam (or a similar medication) approximately an hour before his or her appointment. In addition to providing the same relaxation benefits seen in light sedation, the “one pill” method usually results in the patient having little or no memory of the appointment. High-anxiety patients or patients needing a lot of dental work might be particularly interested in mild to moderate sedation. · Deep Sedation: Less commonly used, deep sedation usually involves IV sedation. Patients in deep sedation are partially unconscious and will be unable to respond to commands; some patients may need assistance with breathing as well. Who Benefits Any patient has the potential to benefit from sedation dentistry. Generally, if you meet any of the below criteria, you should consider some form of conscious sedation for your next dental appointment. · You have had a bad prior experience or generally dread going to the dentist. · You avoid going to the dentist for regular check-ups. · You know you will need intensive dental work done. · You have a physical condition that makes dental appointments unpleasant, such as a heightened gag reflex, sensitive teeth, immunity to Novocain, or an inability to open your mouth wide for long periods of time. If you live in the Fort Lauderdale area and would like to learn more about sedation options, please contact licensed dentist Dr. Thomas O’Neil today. You can read also order amoxicillin online