There are different sedation methods used depending on the characteristics of the patient to be treated.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation (IV Sedation) also known as sleep dentistry is a procedure in which the patient is given a safe medication to keep them relaxed while the dental procedure is being completed. The patient remains conscious and able to respond to the dentist at all times, but is much more relaxed.
IV – Only trained and qualified dentists can offer this drugging technique, which lays the patient to sleep and he/she has no idea about what has transpired in the session.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a non-toxic and colorless gas that helps prevent patient anxiety, it is also known as laughing gas. It is safe, doesn’t irritate and it removes by itself. This is used on patients that need to be relaxed while they perform a dental procedure; it is particularly useful in children. The patient stays completely conscious and can respond to the dentist all the time.
Inhalation – In this type of drug-controlled dentistry, the administered sedative is oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide. Used for patients who come across as too apprehensive, this is a light treatment that keeps fear at bay and helps the patient to be more relaxed and co-operative.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation consists of taking a sedative pill one hour before the dental appointment. This pill allows the patients to feel free of anxiety and fears, helping them to relax. This safe pill may last up to six or seven hours; the patient is completely conscious and can respond to the dentist at all times.
Oral – This includes depressant drugs like Valium, Ativan, or Xanax, which initiates relaxation and a placid calm over the patient. For both inhalation as well as this dosage, local anesthesia has to be combined in order to relieve the patient of pain, which such light drugs are unable to offer.
General Anesthesia
This method of dental sedation refers to the use of anesthesia to leave the patient unconscious. The difference with other sedation methods is that with general anesthesia the patient will be completely unaware of his/her surroundings, making the use of local anesthesia unnecessary.
General Anesthesia – Allowed only for the most complicated or painful of procedures that usually require hospital treatment, general anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious and unaware of the procedure altogether.
