3 Most Common Types Of Sedation Used In Dentistry
When it comes to sedation dentistry, it is important to understand that there is more than one type of sedation. The term sedation dentistry is used to describe the various types of sedation used within the dental field. There are different types of sedation dentistry used for different types of issues.
Sedation Type #1: Inhaled Minimal Sedation
One of the most common types of sedation used is inhaled minimal sedation. When it comes to this procedure, you breathe oxygen through a mask that is placed over your face. The purpose of the oxygen is to help you relax. The dentist will control the amount of oxygen that is given to you. Laughing gas, as it is commonly called, wears off within minutes of being administered.
This is a very mild form of sedation. If you undergo treatment with laughing gas, you will still be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Sedation Type #2: Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, you take a pill in order to undergo sedation. The impact of oral sedation can vary greatly, from being very mild to being a little more serious.
If you want to undergo oral sedation, you will have to take the pill about an hour before the actual procedure starts. So that means that you will have to get to the dentist's office an hour before the procedure in order to take the medication and allow the medication to take effect.
This type of sedation works if you are okay with being in the dentist's office but are just nervous about the actual procedure.
With oral sedation, the pill will make you feel really drowsy. It may also put you into a light sleep. With oral sedation, you need to have someone to drive you home from the process.
Sedation Type #3: IV Sedation
With IV sedation, you are giving the sedative drug through an IV. There will be someone during the procedure who will monitor the administration of the IV throughout the process. IV sedation is a good choice if you get nervous just going to the dentist's office, and you can't handle waiting an hour in the office for oral sedation to take effect. With IV sedation, you are going to need to get someone to drive you home as well.
When it comes to sedation, there are various types used in dentistry. If you are interested in dental sedation, you need to discuss these options with your dentist and talk with your dentist about what your goals are with sedation so you can choose the right type of sedation.