Sleep Sedation Dentistry

The terms “sleep dentistry” or “sedation dentistry” refer to the use of sedatives during dental procedures. Sedatives put the patient into a relaxed state, so that he or she doesn’t experience any pain or anxiety during the procedure. Sedation is commonly used for procedures that can take a long time or can be painful. It is also used the patient has dental phobia.

There are different types of dental sedations. The technique employed will depend on the treatment being performed. Depending on the situation, the dentist may either use moderate sedatives that are administered orally or deeper sedatives that are administered intravenously.

Many people have a fear of the dentist. Sedation is a good option in such cases. In recent years, several advancements have been made in the field of sedation. Earlier, sedatives were administered only intravenously. Nitrous oxide was another common sedative. This was a problem for patients who are afraid of needles. However, these days, new sedatives have become available which can be administered orally.

Sedatives suppress the functioning of the central nervous system. Depending on the extent to which the central nervous system gets suppressed, the patient may experience slight drowsiness or deep sleep. When minimal sedation is administered, the patient will experience reduced anxiety but will still respond to verbal stimulus. In deep sedation, the patient will lose consciousness and will not respond to external stimulus.

The type of sedative to be used will be determined by the dentist. There are three types of sedative techniques:

1) Inhalation sedation: In this technique, the sedative is administered through the nose. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in inhalation sedation.

2) Oral sedation: In this, the patient is given pills containing the sedatives. Benzodiazepines of the commonly used oral sedatives. Halcion is another popular oral sedative.

3) Intravenous sedation: Drugs are administered into the bloodstream via the veins.

Sedation dentistry has some disadvantages. First and foremost, it is expensive. Oral sedation relatively cheaper. However, intravenous sedation can be little costly. Second, sedation doesn’t help in overcoming patient’s dental phobia. Many dentists use sedation dentistry to cover up for the lack of patient skills.