Sedation Dentistry
Everyone knows that healthy teeth and gums contribute to a great physical appearance and a healthy body. So there is no way around going to the dentist. Unless you are willing to live your life toothless, eating porridge for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you have to make regular dentist appointments part of your routine.
However, thousands of people all over the country get anxious even when someone mentions “The Dentist”.
We all know that there is nothing to fear in a visit to the dentist, but some people, just can’t shake the queasy feeling they get when they sit down in a dentist’s chair, so for these people there is sedation dentistry.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is a way of using medication to relax an adult/child without the loss of consciousness.
Who would benefit from conscious sedation?
Adults or children with severe anxiety and/or inability to relax are candidates for sedation.
Why use conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation helps in calming an adult/child so that he/she can accept dental treatment in a more relaxed state. This can
help prevent injury to the patient and provide a better environment for providing dental care.
What medications are used?
Many different agents can be used for conscious sedation, from inhalation(gas) agents to medicine provided orally or by
injection. None of these sedatives render the adult/child unconscious. Your dental team will discuss sedation recommendations.
How sedation works?
Sedative medication works rapidly to create a relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout treatment. This is
administered by the anaesthesiologist. You breathe on your own. This is not like the general anaesthesia where a machine
breathes for you.
How sedation works?
Your dental team are trained to administer, monitor and manage sedated patients.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, the dental team is always with you and your vital signs are constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never
alone.
What special instructions should I follow before the sedation appointment?
You should let the dental team know of any medication you are currently taking. Do report any previous drug allergic reactions
too. Should you or your child become ill, contact your dentist. It may be necessary to choose to arrange another appointment.
It is important not to have a meal before a sedation appointment. The anaesthetist will inform you about food and fluid intake
guidelines prior to the sedation appointment.
What special instructions should I follow after the sedation appointment?
Adults who have been sedated are usually reminded to have someone around to drive them home after their dental appointments
because typically sedatives will take several hours to completely wear off. Children should also return home for the remainder
of the day with adult supervision. The anaesthetist will discuss specific post-sedation instructions with you, including
appropriate diet, physical activity and requested supervision (for children).