Sedation Dentistry in Joondanna

When you hear the word “sedation,” what comes to mind? For many people, sedation conjures up images of being asleep or unconscious. However, sedation is a bit different from being unconscious. When you are sedated, you can still respond to signals and follow simple commands. This is because sedation only affects the level of consciousness – it does not eliminate it. On the other hand, unconsciousness is a state in which a person cannot be aroused or awakened, even in response to stimulation. So, while sedation may make you feel drowsy or sleepy, it will not render you completely unresponsive.

Oral sedation is associated with a wide range of potential side effects. The short-term effects are usually temporary and can last from a few hours to one day.

You might experience:

• Immense drowsiness
• Loss of memory regarding your invasive treatment
• Slow reflexes
• Feeling tired or sluggish
• Having low blood pressure
• Headache

The length of time you will be sedated by a dental professional depends on a comprehensive range of factors. The type of sedative used, the dose, age, weight, and medical history all play a role in how long the effects of the sedative will last. Additionally, the type of dental procedure being performed will also affect the length of time you are sedated.

Generally speaking, simple procedures such as cleanings or fillings will require a shorter period of sedation than more complex procedures such as root canals or wisdom tooth extractions. However, regardless of the type of procedure being performed, our dentist will constantly monitor your level of sedation and make sure that you are safe and comfortable before allowing you to leave the office.

While you are sedated, you will not be asleep. Instead, you will experience deep relaxation and not be aware of what is happening around you. However, you may still be able to hear the voices of the people in the room with you. Sedation is used to help people who are anxious or uncomfortable about having a procedure done. It can also help people who have trouble staying still for long periods of time. When sedation is used, the level of consciousness is carefully monitored. 

To ensure that you are comfortable with the level of sedation you will receive before treatment, it is always best to discuss it with your family dentist before your appointment.

Are you scheduled for dental surgery that will require sedation? If so, there are a few things you should do and not do before your oral procedure. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and smooth experience. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know:

Dos

• Read your pre-op instructions carefully.
  Make sure to read any instructions your dentist gives you before your surgery. You will receive detailed information regarding your anaesthesia and how to prepare for it. Furthermore, it will contain any special instructions pertaining to your specific procedure.
• Pick up your prescriptions in advance.
  Following your surgery, it’s important that you recover completely. Rest and make sure that your medications are on hand. Since you’re discouraged to leave your house while recovering, before your procedure, be sure to stop by the pharmacy to pick up any medications you’ll need.
• Ask a family member or friend to pick you up.
  You won’t be able to drive after sedation or get home independently. Depending on the type of sedation planned, you may need to get a ride from a friend or family member. If no one is available to drive you home, you will have to remain at the dentist’s office until you can call for a cab.

However, if you were given nitrous oxide sedation, there is no need for someone to drive you home since the effects of the gas subsides quickly.

Don’ts

• Don’t wear uncomfortable clothes.
  For your procedure, you should wear comfortable clothing. As our team will be taking your vital signs, administering an IV, and monitoring your blood pressure with your arms, you should not wear shirts with sleeves.
• Refrain from smoking.
  Tobacco products should not be consumed for at least 12 hours before surgery and at least 24 hours after surgery.
• Don’t be late for your appointment.
  You should plan to arrive about 20 minutes early for your appointment. During this time, you can complete any last-minute paperwork or ask any remaining questions you might have.
• Don’t stay up too late.
  Getting a good night’s sleep before a procedure is essential. You may want to ask your dentist if there are any sleeping positions that you should avoid to prevent pressure on your mouth (if that is relevant to your particular procedure).

When you come in for your appointment, you will be asked to fill out a medical history form. Once the form is complete, the dentist will review it with you to ensure no contraindications to sedation. If everything looks good, the dentist will administer the sedative you need. You may feel a little anxious or lightheaded at first, but this will quickly pass. Once you are sedated, the dentist will begin the procedure. You will remain conscious throughout the entire procedure, but you will be very relaxed and should not feel any pain. 

The dentist will monitor you after the procedure is complete until the sedative has worn off. Once you are awake and alert, you will be able to go home.

Listed below are several common types of sedatives used in sedation dentistry:

• Nitrous Oxide
  Known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used for people with mild anxiety. Although you’ll be awake, you’ll be extremely relaxed during the procedure. By simply inhaling, you’ll be administered the gas through a mask placed over your face. This is a low-impact sedative so that you can drive after the procedure is complete.
• Oral Consciousness Sedation
  The name implies that it is a sedative ingested as a pill. Depending on the dosage, it may induce mild or moderate sedation. When you’re under a moderate sedation, you won’t remember much of the procedure despite being awake. There are instances when patients become so dizzy that they fall asleep! The patient is usually asked to take the pill at least an hour before the procedure.
  
  Also, if you’re already nervous about going to skilled dentists, it’s perfectly normal to be afraid of needles. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation are practical treatment options that do not require injections.
• Intravenous Sedation
  The fastest working sedative is intravenous (IV), since a needle delivers the solution directly to your bloodstream. Patients usually request this type of procedure when they want moderate to deep sedation.

Sedation can leave you feeling drowsy for a long time. Typically, this is the case for IV sedation and general anaesthesia since they make the patient unconscious. Within 24 hours, the effect may subside. Therefore, it is best to have someone drive you home after a dental procedure that involves high levels of sedation. However, if using nitrous oxide, the effect will wear off immediately after the mask is removed so you can drive again afterwards.