Bismarck-Mandan Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

For patients who suffer from dental anxiety, have special needs, or struggle with a condition that makes typical dental work more difficult than usual, sedation dentistry may be a good solution to ensure they are still able to receive the dental care they need. Using different medications called sedatives, sedation dentistry not only relaxes and calms patients but also takes away any pain they may experience during a dental procedure.

Reasons for Sedation Dentistry:

Sedation dentistry is helpful for a variety of situations and conditions, from anxieties and phobias to medical conditions. Some of the most common reasons for sedation dentistry include:

• Anxiety related to dental work
• A highly sensitive gag reflex
• Special needs
• Elevated teeth sensitivity
• Need for significant dental work

WHAT DOES Sedation Dentistry INVOLVE?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications before dental work to relax patients. There are several types of sedation used in sedation dentistry, from nitrous oxide – commonly referred to as “laughing gas” – to general anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation used. With it, patients remain conscious after sedation, though they do not feel pain since we will also administer a local anesthetic to numb their gums and teeth. Patients may fall asleep, though are easily awoken. Throughout the procedure, we monitor dosage to ensure a patient remains adequately sedated. After the procedure is complete, we will administer pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide, which will help the patient become aware. Generally, patients can drive themselves home after nitrous oxide sedation.

Another common option is conscious oral sedation, which involves taking a pill about an hour before the procedure. This tends to be more intensive sedation, and patients will need someone to drive them home after the procedure. Regardless of the type of sedation used, patients will typically remember very little – if anything – from the procedure.