Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

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Dental anxiety can be a huge barrier for people requiring dental treatment. At Dental Implants & Aesthetics, we believe that everyone deserves a calm and worry-free dental experience.

Our sedation dentistry options are designed to ease your concerns and ensure a comfortable, relaxed, anxiety-free experience for your care.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. One of the most profound forms of sedation used in dentistry is general anesthesia, which puts patients into a deep sleep, ensuring they are completely unconscious throughout the treatment. General anesthesia is typically reserved for more complex procedures or for patients with extreme dental anxiety, where lighter forms of sedation may not be sufficient.

Types of Sedation Offered at DIA?

In dentistry, sedation can vary from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. General anesthesia, in particular, is the deepest form of sedation used:

  • General anesthesia: This type of sedation renders the patient completely unconscious and is often used for major dental surgeries or for patients who cannot tolerate dental procedures under lighter sedation methods. The patient remains unaware and unresponsive until the anesthesia wears off.
  • Oral sedation/calmatives: Oral sedative/calmative options are commonly used for lighter anxiety levels. Your dentist can arrange a prescription for you to take before your appointment to help you relax during the procedure. You will be awake, but oral calmatives work by helping your nervous system calm down. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

General anesthesia in sedation dentistry is suitable for:

  • Patients undergoing complex or invasive dental surgeries, such as wisdom tooth removal or reconstructive surgery.
  • Individuals with severe dental phobia or anxiety who cannot relax during treatments.
  • Patients with medical conditions, cognitive impairments, or physical disabilities that make it difficult to cooperate or remain still during dental procedures.
  • Individuals with strong gag reflexes or those who are extremely sensitive to dental discomfort.

Candidates for general anesthesia will need a thorough medical evaluation to ensure it’s safe, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.

Sedation-dentistry

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

General anesthesia in sedation dentistry offers multiple benefits, particularly for patients with high levels of anxiety or those requiring complex procedures.

Reducing Anxiety and Fear

For patients with dental phobias, general anesthesia can significantly reduce the stress and fear associated with visiting the dentist. By allowing the patient to be completely unaware of the procedure, it helps prevent traumatic memories or experiences, making future visits less daunting.

Improving Patient Comfort

General anesthesia ensures that the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the dental procedure. This is particularly beneficial for surgeries or treatments that would normally cause discomfort or require extended periods in the dental chair. It also eliminates the anxiety around dental treatment.

Process for Having Treatment Completed Under Sedation

The process for having dental treatment completed under general anesthesia involves several steps, from the initial consultation to post-operative recovery. This method is often used for complex dental procedures, patients with severe anxiety, or those with special medical needs. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Initial Consultation and Assessment

  • Dental Evaluation: The process begins with a thorough dental examination, during which your dentist will assess the nature and complexity of the required treatment. This helps determine whether general anesthesia is necessary.
  • Medical History Review: A detailed review of your medical history, including any medications, allergies, or pre-existing health conditions, will be conducted to ensure you are a suitable candidate for general anesthesia.

Pre-Operative Instructions

  • Fasting: You will typically be required to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure. This means no food or drink to reduce the risk of complications while under anesthesia.
  • Pre-Medication (if needed): Some patients may be given medications before the procedure to help with relaxation or, at times, pre-operative antibiotic cover.
  • Consent: You will need to sign a consent forms acknowledging that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and the use of general anesthesia.

The Procedure

  • Anesthesia Administration: Once you arrive at the clinic or hospital, your anesthesiologist will administer the general anesthesia.
  • Monitoring: While under general anesthesia, you will be completely unconscious and unaware of the procedure. The anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing, to ensure you remain safe and stable throughout the procedure.
  • Dental Treatment: The dentist will perform the necessary treatment, which could include extractions, fillings, implants, or other dental surgeries. Depending on the complexity, this can take anywhere from 1 to several hours.

Post-Operative Recovery

  • Waking Up: After the procedure, you will gradually wake up in the recovery area. It’s normal to feel groggy, disoriented, or experience mild nausea as the effects of anesthesia wear off.
  • Monitoring: You will be closely monitored during this phase to ensure that your vital signs are stable and that there are no immediate complications from the anesthesia or the dental procedure.
  • Post-Treatment Instructions: Once you are fully awake, the dental team will provide you with post-treatment care instructions. This could include advice on pain management, diet, and post-operative care instructions.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

  • Escorting Home: Because the effects of general anesthesia can last for several hours, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. You should not operate a vehicle or make important decisions for the rest of the day.
  • Rest and Recovery: It’s recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day. You may experience some discomfort or mild pain, depending on the dental work performed, and you will likely be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up visit will usually be scheduled to check on your healing progress and to ensure that there are no complications from your dental procedure.

FAQs

You will need to follow specific preoperative instructions, including:

  • Fasting: This will all be discussed in greater detail before your appointment with the anesthetist. There will generally be a fasting period of now eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications from anesthesia.
  • Medications: Inform your dentist of any medications you are currently taking. Sometimes, you may need to adjust your dosage or stop certain medications before the procedure.
  • Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, or jewellery.

Yes! Since you will be under general anesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself or perform tasks that require focus or coordination for the rest of the day. A family member, friend, or carer should be available to help you get to and from your appointment and stay with you for a few hours post-treatment.

It’s normal to feel anxious about undergoing general anesthesia, especially if it’s your first time. During your pre-operative consultation, your dentist and the anesthesiologist can address your concerns and explain the process in detail to help ease your fears. They will monitor you closely throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort, and sedation methods can be adjusted to minimize anxiety leading up to the anesthesia.

The most common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness or grogginess
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry mouth or sore throat
  • Mild dizziness or confusion upon waking up These effects usually subside within a few hours, but more serious complications are rare when general anesthesia is administered in a controlled and monitored environment.

You will not feel any pain during the procedure, as you will be fully unconscious under general anesthesia. After the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort depending on the dental treatment you received. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions and may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort during recovery.

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