Services Provided - Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation?

Sedation refers to a state in which ones central nervous system (CNS) has been depressed. This depression of the CNS is usually achieved through the use of various pharmacologic agents like sedatives, narcotics, tranquillizers, depressants, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, etc. These agents alter ones CNS to produce an overall calm and relaxed (sedated) state. These agents can be administered in a variety of ways that may include inhalation, oral, and/or intravenous routes. Stronger agents or larger doses of these agents will achieve deeper levels of central nervous system depression. With continued depression eventually the patient reaches a level of CNS depression described as deep sedation and/or general anesthesia. This level of CNS depression is typically performed by an oral surgeon or general anesthesiologist.

Different levels of sedation, and thus different agents or techniques, are required for different patients. Nitrous oxide may work well for individuals with mild levels of anxiety and who need an easy filling or basic cleaning appointment. Oral sedatives like valium or halcion may be required for an individual with moderate levels of anxiety and who need 3-4 hours of restorative work. An IV approach may be necessary for individuals who have severe levels of anxiety or who may need a surgical procedure like the removal of their wisdom teeth. The various agents and techniques allow the trained dental professional to tailor the sedation approach to meet the individual needs of the patients.

Seeking the advice of a dentist experienced in sedation dentistry, rather than foregoing treatment because of fear and potential pain, gives people the opportunity to undergo critical procedures that they would have otherwise avoided.

Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?

Although you are kept awake throughout the sedation process, sedation dentistry has occasionally been dubbed as sleep dentistry. However, the term sleep dentistry is misleading. One does not actually sleep during the procedure, but because of the sedation or amnesia effects produced by the agents, you may feel sleepy and not remember your visit to the dental office.