Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although this isn’t entirely accurate as most patients are awake except for those under general anesthesia.
Dental sedation is used for a variety of reasons. It helps patients with dental anxiety to feel more comfortable during procedures, allows for longer and more complex treatments to be performed in fewer appointments, and helps patients with physical limitations or sensitive gag reflexes.
But as with any medical procedure, the safety of sedation dentistry is a common concern among patients. In this blog, we will discuss the safety of sedation dentistry and address some common questions and concerns.
Table of Contents
- What are the Different Kinds of Sedation Methods?
- Benefits vs Risks of Sedation Dentistry
- Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
- You’re in Good Hands at AZ Max Oral Surgery
What are the Different Kinds of Sedation Methods?
There are 4 types of sedation defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists: minimal, moderate, deep and general anesthesia. The level of sedation used depends on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.
The dental insurance companies have slightly different names for the types of anesthesia, so they may look different if you see it in your explanation of benefits. These types are most commonly referred to as conscious sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia.
Conscious sedation is also sometimes further divided into oral and intravenous, which refers to the route the anesthesia is administered.
Minimal Sedation or Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation involves the patient being awake but relaxed. This is commonly achieved using nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” which is inhaled through a mask. Shortly after the mask is removed, the effect wears off.
Use case: This type of sedation is often used for patients with mild dental anxiety or those with a sensitive gag reflex.
Moderate Sedation or Conscious Sedation
Moderate sedation, or “conscious sedation,” allows the patient to remain awake but with limited memory of the procedure.
This type of sedation is often administered through oral sedation, where you take a pill. The effects of oral sedation can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to wear off.
This level of sedation is more commonly administered through intravenous sedation (IV) in a surgical office. The IV administration allows for greater control and safety during the procedure.
Use case: This type of sedation is often used for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures like tooth extractions, bone grafting and/or dental implants.
Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia
Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves a deeper level of sedation where the patient is on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened if necessary.
This type of sedation is administered through an IV, a small tube inserted in your arm. The oral surgeon is able to control the amount of sedative being given, which reduces the risk of complications.
The level of the depth of anesthesia will be fine tuned for the specific patient and the procedure they are undergoing. Each patient, depending on their medical needs and the difficulty of the procedure, will receive the level of sedation they require to have a healthy, safe and positive experience.
You will feel groggy and sleepy for several hours after the medication is stopped. It takes 24 hours to fully recover from IV sedation.
Use case: This type of sedation is often used for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing more extensive procedures, such as dental implant placement, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting.
General Anesthesia (With intubation)
General anesthesia with intubation allows for a deeper and more controlled environment for patients that need this type of care.
This type of anesthesia is typically administered by a second provider like a dental anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist and is used for complex procedures or oral surgery or patients that are unable to tolerate the IV types of anesthesia.
Some of these patients may include extremes in age, complex mental or medical diagnosis, or more difficult procedures.
It is administered through an IV in combination with a breathing tube and inhalation gasses.
Once the procedure is done, the tube is removed, the medication is allowed to wear off and very rarely may be reversed so that you can regain consciousness. You will not wake up immediately.
You will be taken to a recovery room where you will gradually regain consciousness. You will be discharged from the office with a loved one who will need to continue to monitor you for 24 hours.
The time it takes for you to wake up will depend on the medications you received. The anesthesia will continue to monitor you as you wake up. You may feel nausea or chills. It takes 24 hours to fully recover from general anesthesia.
Use case: This type of sedation is often used for patients with severe dental anxiety, special needs or those undergoing complex procedures like wisdom tooth removal or orthognathic surgery.
Benefits vs Risks of Sedation Dentistry
Benefits
- Reduced dental anxiety: Helps calm patients with a fear of the dentist or fear of needles.
- Pain-free experience: Minimizes discomfort during lengthy procedures.
- Efficient dental care: Allows dental professionals to perform multiple or complex procedures in a single visit. It also improves the success of dental procedures as patient movement is minimized.
- Minimizes gag reflex: Controls gag reflex, particularly useful in invasive procedures.
Risks
- Possible side effects: Some patients may experience nausea, headaches or drowsiness after the procedure.
- Allergic reactions: Patients can be allergic to certain types of sedatives. It is important for patients to disclose any known allergies before receiving sedation.
- Complications with pre-existing medical conditions: Sedation can sometimes worsen certain medical conditions like asthma or sleep apnea. It is crucial for patients to provide a complete medical history before undergoing sedation dentistry.
For more information on the benefits of dental sedation, read The Benefits of Sedation in Advanced Dental Work.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When administered by a trained and experienced oral surgeon, sedation dentistry is generally very safe. Oral surgeons undergo specialized training to ensure patient safety during sedation procedures. They are also equipped to handle any potential complications that may arise.
Patients must do their part to ensure a safe sedation experience by following all pre- and post-sedation instructions provided by their oral surgeon. They should also disclose any relevant medical information and follow up with their oral surgeon if they experience any unusual symptoms after the procedure.
You’re in Good Hands at AZ Max Oral Surgery
We prioritize patient safety and comfort above all else. Our experienced oral surgeons are trained in the latest sedation techniques and closely monitor patients throughout the entire procedure.
If you have any concerns about sedation dentistry or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some words from our valued patients:
“Dr. Austin is great at what he does. The whole oral surgery process was quick and as painless as possible. His office knows how to bill insurance properly, leaving me with much less out of pocket than originally anticipated- something my regular dentist’s office needs to learn. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.”
“Dr Fluckiger was great! I had an emergency tooth extraction and bone graft needed he scheduled me in right away and made sure I was comfortable and got the job done painlessly! I would highly recommend him for whatever you need done to your mouth!”
If you are searching for an oral surgeon in Mesa or anywhere in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Show Low, we can help! We have 5 locations to serve you better. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
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