What are the 3 Types of Sedation? How Long Does Dental Sedation last?

If you have dental anxiety or phobia, you are not alone, as most people have dental phobia. Fortunately, sedation dentistry in Auburn can help you stay relaxed during your dental appointment. Dental sedation is available in different types, from oral sedation to intravenous sedation administered through the veins. The dentist near you will choose the ideal sedation for you based on the type of procedure to be done.

Dental sedation is recommended for people with dental phobia and anxiety. However, it can also be used if you have a gag reflex that interferes with a dental procedure or tooth sensitivity, or the dentist in 36830 is about to perform a complex dental procedure.

What Are the 3 Types of Sedation?

There are three types of sedation: minimal, moderate, and deep. Each type has a different purpose and is usually delivered via IV. Minimal sedation will make the patient drowsy, while moderate sedation may make them sluggish but not unconscious. Moderate sedation also often includes analgesia. In deep sedation, the patient will not be awake but may be drowsy but not unconscious.

• Minimal

Minimal sedation is a level of relaxation where a patient is still awake but relaxed enough to respond to questions and instructions. It is produced by using special drugs. The goal of minimal sedation is to decrease a patient’s anxiety about undergoing a medical procedure.

Nitrous oxide is extremely mild and can reduce pain significantly. It is administered via a nasal mask; it takes effect immediately and wears out just as fast. This makes it ideal for children because it has little to no side effects. While you’re relaxed, you’ll still be able to hear the dentist’s requests, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home after dental treatment in Auburn.

• Moderate

Moderate sedation is common anesthesia used to put patients to sleep for a medical procedure. It is different than general anesthesia, which puts patients completely unconscious. With moderate sedation, patients remain semi-conscious and don’t feel pain or anxiety. A nurse monitors their blood pressure and heart rate while they are under the effects of the medication. They may also monitor their breathing.

Before using moderate sedation, a pre-procedure assessment should be performed. This will include a review of the patient’s medical and surgical history. It will also include a focused physical examination of the airway. Any current medications or allergies should be documented as well.

Oral sedation offers moderate consciousness and involves administering sedative drugs through the mouth. During this process, you will not be aware that you are being sedated. Instead, your dentist will use sedative drugs to make you feel relaxed so you can focus on the dental procedure at hand.

IV sedation can also be moderate based on the dosage and is given through an intravenous tube. While you won’t experience much discomfort from this procedure, you’ll need to refrain from eating and drinking for six hours before your appointment.

• Deep

Deep sedation is a type of sedation that is often necessary during surgery or medical procedures. It can be compared to twilight sedation in that patients experience a dreamlike state and fall asleep during the procedure. They do not respond to pain or stimulation as quickly as people under moderate sedation and sleep through the procedure with very little memory. Sedation is most commonly used in complicated oral surgeries, complex extractions, and patients who are highly anxious or fearful of dental procedures.

Deep sedation is often necessary during surgery to allow the body to heal after an injury.

How Long Does Dental Sedation last?

How long the dental sedation lasts will depend on the sedation used. For instance, laughing gas wears out faster because it is mild. Oral sedation is also gentle but lasts longer. IV and deep sedation last for a few hours, and may at times, our dentist in Auburn may use medication to decrease the effects.

What Are The Side Effects?

Dental sedation has minimal side effects, but people may experience drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. These problems are mild and will clear with time, but visit a dental office in Auburn if they persist.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Central Park Dental care for more information about dental sedation and what you can expect.