Sedation Dentist in Brooklyn, NY

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique used to help induce feelings of calmness and relaxation in patients before a dental procedure. The sedation level provided can be adjusted to suit individual needs, ranging from mild or light sedation to a more substantial sedative that induces a sensation of deep calm and sleepiness.

Some sedatives also contain an amnesiac, meaning that you would remember little or nothing about treatment afterward. This can be very helpful for people with deep-seated dental fears and anxieties.

Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for anybody who fears dental treatment or has a very low pain threshold. The sedative can be administered before your dentist uses dental anesthetic to numb the area being treated. You can even choose to have sedation dentistry for a simple hygiene appointment.

It’s worth considering this option if you delay or avoid essential dental care and know you require treatment to restore your dental health or smile.

Other reasons for choosing sedation dentistry include:

• Having a strong gag reflex.
• Special needs.
• A fear of needles.

Need specialist or lengthy dental care to restore oral health as more treatment can be completed in a single appointment.

Sedation dentistry is often recommended for people who need to have their wisdom teeth removed or who require dental implant surgery.

Dental implants are an advanced way to restore missing teeth but require a short surgical procedure. Sometimes, other treatments like bone grafting are needed to prepare the mouth for implants. The thought of oral surgery can be concerning for some people, and sedation dentistry ensures you can receive implants comfortably and free from any anxiety.

Another advantage of sedation dentistry is that it can help people overcome deep-seated dental anxieties and fears. Using sedation dentistry can ensure your dentist can restore oral health more comfortably and quickly.

Once you have a healthy mouth, you may find it easier to visit a dentist regularly, knowing that any problems are likely small and easy to treat. You can also get to know your dentist and the team, building a good professional relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

What Are the Different Types of Sedation Dentistry Available?

Four different types of sedation dentistry can be used, as described below.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Many people are familiar with laughing gas as it is widely used and safe. It provides a minimal or light level of sedation that can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

You inhale the gas through a nose mask continuously during your treatment. It takes effect quickly, so you soon feel more comfortable and relaxed. Your dentist can adjust the level of sedation during your treatment to ensure you remain comfortable and free from anxiety.

When your treatment is complete, your dentist switches off the gas, and they may give you oxygen instead. Giving you oxygen helps eliminate the nitrous oxide from your body more quickly, so you recover faster. It doesn’t take long for the effects of laughing gas to wear off entirely. You can even drive yourself home.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This sedative is deeper than laughing gas, inducing a greater sense of calm and relaxation. The strength of the sedative can be adjusted to ensure you get the right results, and it may be used with laughing gas for greater effect.

Oral conscious sedation is given as a pill that you take orally a short while before your appointment begins. If oral conscious sedation is used for a child, then it may be given as a syrup instead.

When the sedative is taken effect, your dentist will begin your treatment. You will need someone to take you home afterward.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation is deeper, inducing a sense of calm that you feel deeply relaxed and may even fall asleep.

The sedative is given intravenously through a vein in your arm or on the back of your hand and is administered continuously during treatment. Your vital signs will be checked regularly during your treatment, and this type of sedation may be given by a dental anaesthesiologist with specialized training in administering dental sedation.

Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will monitor you for a short while afterward. They will want to make sure you are entirely okay before sending you home with a trusted friend or relative who can look after you while the sedative wears off completely.

One huge advantage of intravenous sedation is the amnesiac qualities of the deeper sedative. It’s unlikely that you will remember much or anything about your treatment. When you come around, it may seem only minutes have passed.

General Anesthesia

A general anesthetic ensures you are unconscious during treatment. It may be necessary if you require more complex or lengthier dental care or can be used to help patients with severe dental anxiety or special needs.

A general anesthetic usually has to be administered in a hospital setting by a qualified anaesthesiologist who can monitor you continuously during the treatment.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Generally, sedation dentistry is safe. However, all forms of sedation carry some risk, but your dental office will take extensive precautions to minimize these risks as much as possible.

Before your dentist recommends any form of sedation dentistry, they will review your medical health closely. They must know exactly which medications you take and if you have any medical conditions. These can influence the type of sedation recommended or may mean your dentist wishes to liaise with other healthcare providers before providing sedation dentistry.

During your procedure, your dentist will monitor you continuously. They will also ensure you have recovered fully and are safe to go home to rest comfortably afterward.