Dental Sedation

Are you putting off a trip to the dentist because you are anxious about feeling pain? Does the idea of sitting still for an extended period with your mouth open feel impossible? Or perhaps the sounds associated with dental procedures make you feel on edge.

You are not alone. Many people delay dental treatment because they are anxious about the procedures. As family dentists in Hanover, we offer various sedation options so you and your family will feel comfortable while getting the necessary treatments.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation uses medication to help you relax during dental procedures. ‘Sleep dentistry’ is another name given to dental sedation. Several types are available, ranging from laughing gas up to general anesthesia. Lighter options help you feel more relaxed, while general anesthesia puts you to sleep. Our experienced dentists will determine which type of sedation is best for you based on your medical history, anxiety level, and the procedure required.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask that sits over your nose. It is mixed with oxygen, takes effect within a few minutes, and wears off quickly once the mask is removed.

It is the lightest form of sedation we offer. You stay awake and able to talk to us throughout, just calmer and more comfortable, and we can adjust the level during your appointment. Because it clears so quickly, most people are able to drive themselves home afterward. Laughing gas suits milder anxiety and shorter procedures.

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide

• Takes effect within minutes and wears off quickly once the mask comes off.
• You stay awake and able to respond during treatment.
• The lightest option we offer, so most people can drive themselves home.
• Well suited to milder anxiety or shorter appointments.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a prescribed medication you take as a tablet before your appointment, so you arrive already relaxed. There is no needle involved.

You stay conscious but drowsy and deeply relaxed, and some people remember little of the visit afterward. Because the medication takes longer to wear off, you will need someone to drive you home. Oral sedation sits between laughing gas and IV sedation in strength.

Benefits of Oral Sedation

• No needle — the medication is taken as a tablet.
• You arrive already calm, which helps if the waiting room itself makes you anxious.
• A middle step between laughing gas and IV sedation.
• You stay conscious and able to respond, though drowsy.

IV Moderate Sedation

IV (intravenous) sedation is administered through a small needle in your arm. You may feel a slight sting for a few seconds as the needle is inserted. The medication works quickly to make you feel relaxed and drowsy.

This level of moderate sedation is also called ‘conscious sedation. ‘ While sedated, you can respond to questions and follow simple instructions from your dentist. You may not remember much about the procedure afterward, meaning no memories of sights, sounds, or smells.

Once sedated, your dentist will inject local anesthesia into your gum tissue. The anesthesia will numb the procedure area so you should not feel pain.

After the procedure, you will likely feel some discomfort when the medication wears off. Nausea and headaches are common and should go away quickly. You will need someone to drive you home after your appointment, as the effects of the sedation can last for several hours.

Benefits of IV Sedation

• Sedatives administered through the bloodstream work more quickly than oral sedatives.
• Although you will feel drowsy, you will still be able to control your body and breathe on your own.
• You should feel little to no pain or anxiety during the procedure.
• Fewer side effects and shorter recovery time compared to deep sedation and general anesthesia.

IV Deep Sedation

Deep IV sedation is administered the same way as moderate IV sedation. However, a higher dosage of one or multiple sedative medications accomplishes a deeper level of sedation. Although still conscious, you will not be able to verbally and physically respond as readily as with moderate sedation. You will be less aware of your surroundings and feel very tired, so you will probably fall asleep during most of the procedure.

If your breathing slows while sedated, you will need to receive oxygen through a small mask placed over your nose. Our dental team will monitor your breathing and intervene if necessary.

We usually recommend deep sedation for more complex oral surgery procedures, such as wisdom teeth or other complicated extractions. It is also preferred if you have a significant dental phobia or are very anxious.

Once sedated, local anesthetic injections will numb your gums and teeth, so you should not feel pain during the procedure.

As with moderate IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment. Within a few hours, any effects of sedation should pass.

Benefits of Deep Sedation

• Increased comfort during the procedure
• Reduced pain and anxiety
• Reduced gag reflex
• Your dentist can perform multiple dental procedures in one visit

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is administered through an IV and will put you in a deep sleep. You should not feel pain, as you will be unconscious.

Once sedated, an endotracheal tube will be inserted through your mouth or nose to help you breathe during the procedure. Our dental team is highly trained and experienced in administering general anesthesia and will closely monitor your heart rate and breathing throughout the procedure.

General anesthesia is safe and adverse effects are rare. People with significant health problems can generally undergo general anesthesia without serious issues. Still, not everyone is an ideal candidate for general anesthesia. Some health conditions increase the risk of complications while under anesthesia. These include heart, lung, or kidney conditions, obesity, and diabetes. If you smoke or drink alcohol heavily, your dentist may recommend another type of sedation.

During your consultation, your dentist will consider the risks and benefits of general anesthesia. They will then decide if this sedation method is suitable for you and happily answer all your questions.

As with any anesthesia, you may experience some side effects. These include

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shivering and feeling cold
• A sore throat from the breathing tube

If you experience any of these side effects, they should clear within 24 hours. Please contact us if you feel they are lingering or if you feel very unwell. You will feel drowsy for a few hours after waking up, so you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment.

Benefits of General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is beneficial in the following situations:

• Pediatric patients that cannot cooperate or who are very anxious
• Children or adults with autism who struggle with sensory overload
• Older patients with dementia
• If you have extreme anxiety or dental fear
• If you have a high tolerance for the medications used for moderate or deep IV sedation
• When undergoing more invasive procedures
• When you need an extensive procedure that would usually require multiple visits

What Dental Procedures Can You Have Under Sedation?

Dental sedation is ideal for a variety of dental procedures, including

• Cavity fillings
• Root canals
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Dental implants

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Dental sedation is safe when performed by a licensed dentist with advanced training. Serious complications are rare, but there are risks associated with any medication or medical procedure. Be sure to tell our dental team if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, as this could affect your eligibility for sleep dentistry.

Our experienced dentists and dental team are highly trained in administering each type of sedation and will monitor you closely throughout your procedure. During your consultation, we review your medical history and discuss the risks and benefits so we can recommend the safest, most appropriate option for you.

Sleep Dentistry Could Be the Answer to Your Dental Anxiety!

Contact us today if you are ready for a stress-free dental experience for your next procedure! Our dental team will be happy to answer your questions about sedation dentistry and find the treatment option that is right for you. For sleep dentistry in Hanover, call (226) 257-8888 or complete the online booking form.