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For many people terrified of having any sort of dental work done by a dentist or dental specialist, the option of sedation dentistry provides profound relief.
Now those who have been putting off dental treatment because of anxiety or fear can have their treatment completed without worry.
Many dental practices now offer sedation dentistry, though not all dental offices provide all sedation methods.
The purpose of sedation is to relax a patient so he/she is comfortable with the treatment being carried out. Depending on the method and type of medication administered, patients may fall into a light sleep. In general, patients have these three options:
1) Inhalation sedation: This involves a mask that is placed over the mouth and nose. This mask is attached to a hose that will administer nitrous oxide, an odorless, colorless gas--also known as "laughing gas." Nitrous has the advantage of wearing off quickly, having few side effects, and being safe for use by pregnant women and those with other medical conditions that may contraindicate use of other sedation methods. The other advantage is that the amount of nitrous being administered can be adjusted mid-procedure by the dentist.
2) Oral sedation: This involves taking an oral sedative such as Valium about one hour prior to the appointment. Some sedatives do have a history of negative side effects. There is also the possibility that the medication will wear off mid-procedure and there is no way for the patient to take more if needed. Oral sedatives are also not safe for all patients.
3) IV (intravenous) sedation: This may not be a good option for those with a needle-phobia, but IV sedation is becoming very popular amongst dental patients. IV sedation allows dentists to complete very simple and very complicated dental treatments. A sedation medication is administered through an intravenous line (IV), usually established in the back of the hand with a small needle. The amount of medication administered is determined by your height and weight, and can be re-administered if necessary during the surgery. Depending on the type of drug used, IV sedation is a treatment option for pregnant women. There is also the risk of other negative side effects or allergic reaction.
Before proceeding with any dental treatment you should ensure that you have discussed all possible medical conditions, and other concerns with your dentist, and that he/she has explained, and you understand, all the possible complications and implications of your treatment plan. Each treatment plan will be determined by your dentist or dental specialist.
Add a Comment4 Comments
I think IV sedation has its place in dentistry but for patients who truly have a dental phobia they never learn the techniques to have routine treatment without it. Dental phobia can be overcome not many patients are aware of that because the dentists administering the IV sedation are not trained in helping them overcome dental phobia.
January 20, 2013 - 5:16pmThis Comment
I always opt for oral sedation as it feels more comfortable than sleeping in the dentist's chair. Although unlikely, the dentist might omit asking if one is allergic or not to some painkillers. Read the Valium proprieties and side effects before going to the dentist. You don't want to risk being poisoned while your teeth still hurt.
June 22, 2009 - 10:37amThis Comment
i am 26 weeks pregnant and cant find an endodontist that will provide iv sedation, numbing shots and pain pills do not work at all and never have. do you know anyone in the houston area that will do it, [email protected], i need a root canal asap, i have a nerve exposed in number 14
April 23, 2009 - 9:41pmThis Comment
Many dental specialists are reluctant to use any kind of IV sedation during pregnancy. It is really used as a very last resort. There needs to be communication between your dental specialist and your OB/GYN and family physician to effectively examine the risks associated with your particular case.
My advice would be to talk to your OB/GYN or family physician about this and have them coordinate with your dentist and endodontist. There may be an interim treatment that they can do for you that would get you through to the end of your pregnancy and then you can look at having the procedure done. Extraction may also be a possibility, but again you need to coordinate all this potential treatment with your OB/GYN, family physician, general dentist and dental specialist.
April 27, 2009 - 6:15amThis Comment