Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry
How does Sedation dentistry work?
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
What are contraindications to sedation dentistry?
Any special restrictions prior to sedation dentistry?
How Does Sedation Dentistry work?
Sedation dentistry allows patients to become drowsy and, in most cases, sleep right through their dental procedures. The actual process involves patients taking an analgesic or the evening before their procedure. The patient will be given additional sedatives before the procedure. When the medication kicks in the patient usually becomes extremely relaxed and drifts into a sleep-like state. When they become coherent after surgery most patients have no memory of their procedure at all.
Patients who opt for sedation dentistry are usually reminded to have someone around to drive them to and from their dental appointments because typically sedatives will take several hours to completely wear off.
So if you are ready to embrace healthy teeth and gums, relax, with sedation dentistry you will drift away into dreamland and wake up with a sparkling, new smile. Back
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
• High dental fear
• Past traumatic dental experiences
• Difficultly getting numb with local anesthetics
• Very sensitive teeth
• Busy lifestyles who need a lot of dentistry completed comfortably in one or two appointments
• Hate needles and shots
• Objection to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
• Embarrassed about their teeth and want a nice smile that looks professional and enhances their image. Back
What are contraindications to sedation dentistry?
• Pregnancy or Nursing
• Acute narrow angle glycoma
• Allergy or sensitivity to benzodiazepine medications
• Severe medical conditions
• Significant respiratory problems like severe asthma or emphysema
• Psychosis
• Taking a MAO inhibitor medication
• Alcoholics
Estimated 90% of the adult population are good candidates for oral sedation dentistry. Back
Any special restrictions prior to sedation dentistry?
We will go over preoperative instructions in detail when you are scheduling your visit. The highlights are:
• Nothing to eat or drink 6 hrs prior
• Reduce caffeine for 12 hrs prior
• No alcohol or narcotic drugs
• Take prescription drugs as you normally would unless otherwise directed
• No contact lenses
• Wear light-weight comfortable clothing, preferably with short sleeves
• Have someone drive you to and from your appointment
