Sedation Dentistry
Port Angeles, WA
Sedation provided by Stephen J. Turella, DMD in Port Angeles, WA at Turella Oral Surgery
Dental procedures can be painful, and often need several levels of dental sedation for the comfort of the patient.
At Turella Oral Surgery, we are always available to answer your questions about sedation. Call our Port Angeles, WA office today!
Here are some of the most common questions often asked about sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is where the patient is either extremely relaxed or all the way asleep for a procedure. Either way, you will not remember what happened or feel any of it.
Sedation dentistry is great for children because dental procedures can be frightening to a child. Sedation is also the answer for many adults. It allows them to have the work that they need to be done, without having to worry about the procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Toddlers?
Even children and toddlers require complex dental procedures sometimes. In fact, children are more likely to be sedated, given the potential impact of dental issues at this age, and the problem of anxiety.
One of the questions many parents have is about the safety of sedation dentistry for their kids. Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe for kids and toddlers.
What Is Deep Sedation in Dentistry?
There are different sedatives, each with its own reasons for use and different sedation levels depending on the patient.
Deep sedation dentistry is used for the most complex of dental issues. It is a drug-induced state of sedation, one that depresses consciousness so much that the patient cannot be easily aroused. It offers the most sedating effect to a patient. The patient remains asleep throughout the treatment.
Is IV Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Besides inhalation and oral methods of delivering sedatives, a dentist could also deliver a sedative via a vein. Yes, IV sedation is very safe. It uses drugs that have been tested and approved. These drugs have been utilized by dentists for decades. Also, complications are very rare, and if they happen, they are seldom severe.
What Medication Is Used for Oral Sedation Dentistry?
In oral sedation dentistry, the dentist will normally administer sedative medication, mostly orally in pill form. The medication will likely be given about 60 minutes before the actual dental procedure begins.
Some of the medications that are used in oral sedation dentistry include triazolam, which is in the diazepam family. Other medications include lorazepam and zaleplon.
What Is Inhaled Minimal Sedation?
Apart from the oral and IV sedation that leads to deep sedation, another form of sedation dentistry is inhaled sedation. As the name indicates, it is a sedation that is breathed in through the nose or mouth. It is a light form of sedation, which has the patient inhaling a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mouthpiece.
This will have the patient relaxed and accepting treatment while remaining conscious and in some cases able to interact with the dentist.
How to Prepare for Sedation Dentistry
Safe sedation dentistry also depends on how well one has prepared for treatment. Preparing for sedation dentistry calls for several measures. For instance, it is advisable to drink lots of fluids the day before the actual procedure.
Another common recommendation is to not eat anything before the dental appointment. This usually means not eating anything after midnight or the day before.
Finally, you may be wondering, "can I drive after sedation dentistry?"Given the after-effects of sedation dentistry, it is important to have someone available who will be able to drive you home.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Port Angeles Oral Surgeon Today!
Learn more about the various sedatives we offer for dental procedures from oral surgeons. Contact Turella Oral Surgery today and schedule an appointment. Call us at (360) 912-8244 to find out more.
