This
four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation
dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what
patients can expect from its different methods of administration.
Welcome
to the third instalment of this four-part article series on sedation
dentistry and the various aspects that patients want and need to know
about this essential branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part
2, an experienced ColoradoSprings dentist
explained the many wonderful benefits of sedation, which extend well
past the simple act of calming nervous and fearful patients. It also
eliminates pain and calms strong gag reflexes, while enabling
dentists to perform longer and more complex procedures in a single
appointment, rather than breaking it down into smaller and more
manageable phases.
Now,
let’s take a look at the three primary modes of sedation
administration, the procedures involved and what patients can expect.
The
Primary Modes of Sedation
- Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral
conscious sedation simply involves swallowing one or two small pills,
depending upon the recommendations of the Colorado
Springs dentist. You will be
required to arrive for your appointment an hour beforehand and the
procedure and sedation will be explained to you in full again.
Once
you have taken your pill, you will be left to sit back and relax
while the effects kick in. By the time it’s your turn for an
appointment, you should be feeling completely relaxed, comfortable
and anxiety-free. While you are receiving treatment – even if it’s
just a standard dental examination – the dentist will ensure that
you’re comfortable and will also closely monitor your heart rate
and blood pressure.
“Towards
the end of your appointment, you may begin to become more conscious
of what’s going on as the sedation effects of the pill wears off,”
says a Colorado
Springs implant dentist. “You’ll
likely feel quite sleepy and won’t remember much from your
procedure. Please do make sure to arrange transportation from your
dental office to your home, because you won’t be fit for driving
whilst under the effects of sedation, even though it’s wearing
off.”
- Nitrous Oxide or Inhalation Sedation
The
administration of sedative medications – usually Nitrous Oxide or
“laughing gas” - via an oxygen mask is a popular method of
sedation, especially for kids, nervous patients and for those with a
strong gag reflex. Inhalation is suitable for patients between the
ages of 5 to 95 years. The procedure, similar to oral conscious
sedation, is really very simple:
“Upon
arriving for your appointment, we’ll explain to you the entire
procedure and what it is you can expect from your treatment,” says
a Colorado Springs
dental implant dentist. “We’ll also describe what you can expect
to feel so that nothing takes you by surprise. Once you are
comfortably in the dentist’s chair, we’ll put a small oxygen mask
over your nose and mouth, but it won’t only be delivering oxygen to
you. We use a mixture of oxygen and a gas called nitrous oxide, which
makes you feel totally relaxed, spaced out and anxiety-free.
“Throughout
treatment, we will periodically adjust your gas intake so that the
calm, sedated state is maintained. In spite of this, you will still
be able to respond to our questions and prompts, although you may
slur your words! Once your treatment is complete, we’ll reduce the
levels of nitrous oxide you’re breathing in until you’re left
only with oxygen. We’ll then remove the mask and allow you some
time to emerge from the fog of sedation.
“Once
again, it’s important that you arrange for transportation home,
because although you’ll feel a lot more awake after treatment, you
still won’t be fit to drive yourself,” says the ColoradoSprings dentist.
Stay
Tuned for Part 4
To
read more about sedation dentistry and what the final mode of
administration entails – intravenous sedation - stay tuned for the
final instalment of this four-part article series.
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