The levels of sedation are as follows:
· Minimal sedation – totally awake and relaxed. · Moderate sedation or “conscious sedation” – will utter slurry words and will have a vague memory of the dental procedure. · Deep sedation – barely conscious, but a slight shake will wake you up. · General anesthesia – entirely in an unconscious state. The determining factors would be the kind of dental treatment you will be needing, the duration of the procedure, and the degree of your anxiety. If you feel like you need more sedatives because you have serious anxiety issues, you can inform your dentist beforehand so that you can have a higher dosage during the procedure.Who are eligible for dental sedation?
Sedation is recommended for people who are experiencing anxiety or a deep fear of going to the dentist. It is fitting for people who:
- Are jittery and cannot sit still.
- Have a low pain tolerance.
- Have extremely sensitive teeth.
- Need extensive dental work.
- Have a terrible gag reflex.
If you match the description above, please contact your dentist immediately before deciding on a procedure. Often times, children are sedated because they are scared, restless, and uptight. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas is the mildest and it is safe for kids. Just make sure that the given dosage is appropriate for the child’s weight and age.
Is dental sedation safe?
Sedation is generally safe, but if you are one of those people who have sleep apnea or who are overweight, it is better to talk to your physician before continuing with the dental sedation. These people are more prone to having complications from the sedative drugs.
It is crucial for you to go to a dentist that is well-trained and competent to do such procedures. As the patient, you should remember these things:
• First, discuss your complete medical history with your preferred dentist and you should be open about the medications you are taking. The dentist should be able to know what sedative drugs are suitable for you and what is forbidden.
• Ask whether the sedative drug is suitable for your current weight, age, and health status. Also, check whether it is within the FDA’s recommended range.
• It also important to know your dentist. Know how many years he spent training, how many dental procedures he completed, and his experience on dental surgeries with sedation. If you don’t know any top-notch dentist nearby, I recommend Advanced Dental and TMJ Center because they provide superior dental care.
• Go through the possible risks and discuss them carefully with your dentist. Do not hesitate to ask questions if the need arises.
• The dentist should follow the guidelines provided by the American Dental Association. The dentist should have an oxygen tank ready in case you need it.
Dental sedation is usually needed when during dental work. So, do not take it lightly. Request an appointment at your nearest clinic. Advanced Dental and TMJ Center can provide you a team of talented dentists. Call their dental clinic right away at (662) 655-4868.