Dentists are now relying often on forms of conscious sedation to make dental work more comfortable for their more nervous patients, says Dr. Mark Gustavson, a partner at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin. There are other ways to make patients feel more relaxed as well, he says.
Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that has been around for years and years, but is only now beginning to be used more often. There are two types of conscious sedation dentistry which most dentists use. They are:
- IV sedation dentistry: Using medications that are put directly into your vein, they allow for a deeper type of anesthesia. This type of conscious sedation is much easier to control and easier to reverse, but requires more time and is more expensive than many people are willing to pay. It is often used to remove third molars or wisdom teeth.
- Oral sedation dentistry: This is the more common type of sedation for general dentists to use. It requires giving the patient pills before and during treatment to relax the patient and make him feel more comfortable while a procedure is being carried out. These pills are much easier to deal with, so they are often used. But the most important thing is to monitor the patient during sedation. Pills that are used are similar to sleeping pills, as well as ones used to quell anxiety. The amount and type of pill used is generally determined by each individual dentist.
Anxiety or Behavioral Issues
Candidates for conscious sedation are patients with severe anxiety or behavioral issues, who have dental phobias or severe dental fears, or patients who cannot handle instructions for the duration of regular dental treatment. That’s because more and more patients are finding that dentists have changed their ways and are much better at handling the average patent without sedation.
Things that can be used without sedation are nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, which will allow a patient to feel more relaxed in the chair, and simple things like a topical anesthetic gel. That gel will numb the area, and can make people feel more comfortable than they did in the past.
You’re the Boss
All patients should know that when they are in the dental chair, they are still the boss. It is still your body, and you should be — and remain so throughout your visit — completely in charge. If the dentist is doing something you don’t like, you should say something, and your dentist should respond appropriately. If he does not, then find someone else.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
