Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

• Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood
• You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure
• Multiple treatments and full mouth restorations can occur during the same visit
• Less discomfort after treatment

The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the "benzodiazepine" family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within "fear" receptors in the brain.

There are two different types of Benzodiazepines:

• Sedative-Hypnotics: These drugs induce calm, including drowsiness and even sleep. This sleep state is a form of hypnosis which is a form of physiological sleep.
• Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are drugs which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation.

While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain which focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain. In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while in lower doses, they reduce anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. It’s important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn't travel on your own after you've taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you travel by bus or foot! It's easy to become disorientated.

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It's important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergies to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis and some other conditions. It's also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide:

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation
• There is no after effect such as a "hangover"
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes it's relaxation and pain killing properties develop

Reasons for not to use Nitrous Oxide

You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a "5-minute trial" to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.

In dentistry, IV sedation is an invaluable technique that ensures patient comfort and relaxation during extensive or anxiety-inducing procedures. Administered intravenously, this method induces deep relaxation while allowing the patient to remain responsive to stimuli.

Typically reserved for complex treatments or patients with severe dental phobias, IV sedation enables our dentist to perform procedures more efficiently, minimizing discomfort. It offers a faster onset than oral sedatives, quickly calming the patient, and allows for adjustments in sedation levels throughout the procedure to ensure ongoing comfort.

Additionally, IV sedation often results in partial or complete memory loss of the procedure, reducing anxiety or trauma linked to dental visits. However, its administration requires specialized training, making it essential for dentists to have the proper expertise and equipment to safely manage and monitor sedation. Overall, IV sedation plays a critical role in modern dentistry, enhancing the patient’s experience and supporting comprehensive dental care.