Dental Sedation
Nervous about the dentist?
For people who suffer from this phobia, a simple dental cleaning or check-up involves a high level of stress and anxiety, which is why they tend to put it off too long. This postponement of visits to the dentist is one of the main causes of the appearance of diseases such as tooth decay or gum disease.
Sedation in dentistry is a technique that facilitates the relaxation of the patient and allows treatments to be performed more comfortably and effectively. It is indicated for people with fear or the dentist or who feel a high level of stress when they have to visit a dental office.



Types of sedation in dentistry?
Conscious sedation In this type of sedation, as the name suggests, the patient remains conscious for the duration of the treatment. It is a combination of medicines that will help the patient relax and also block pain during the dental procedure.
Minimal sedation This drug (or combination of drugs) is used for less invasive treatments. The patient responds normally to stimuli and is conscious at all times. After the procedure, the patient may not even remember things about the dental visit.
Moderate sedation Patients are sleepier under moderate sedation, but can usually respond to stimuli. They breathe on their own and generally wake up easily.
Combined sedation: Sedative drugs are administered by the enteral and inhalation routes.
Deep sedation: Tranquillizers are administered intravenously that relax the central nervous system and, therefore, the patient. A qualified professional should always be present before, during, and after the procedure to monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure.
General anaesthesia: Under general anaesthesia, the patient will be totally asleep and pain-free. Professionals specifically trained to handle anaesthesia- doctors, dentists, or certified anaesthetist nurses- will administer medications and monitor the patient while the dentist performs the procedure.
Advantages Of Sedation For Nervous Patients
Decreased patient’s anxiety and stress levels.
Greater security during the dental procedure.
Treatments are easily performed in a single session.
Better postoperative recovery.

Why Are People Scared Of Dentists?
How Does Dental Sedation Work?
You will sit in the dental chair
The dentist or anesthesiologist will give you a sedative which can be; an oral tablet, IV line or facial mask that you will inhale.
You will wait in the dental chair until the sedative takes effect. This time will vary depending on the sedative that will be used. Oral sedatives usually take from 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, on the contrary, IV line or facial masks with Nitrous Dioxide take effect in less than a minute.
The doctor or anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs.
The dental professional will begin the procedure once the sedatives take effect. Depending on the procedure you can be under sedation for several minutes or even hours.
Not everyone is suitable for dental sedation. The dental professional will check the general and dental background to ensure the patient is ideal for this procedure.
Laughing Gas (NO) is a fast-acting inhaled sedative used to decrease discomfort and anxiety. It is also called “the laugh gas” that dentists often administer.
Unlike general anaesthesia, NO gas (effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled) will not make the patient sleep soundly but will make them feel relaxed and sleepy. It will be applied to the patient a few minutes before the procedure begins and possibly continuously until the procedure is complete.
You will be able to hear and respond to the dentist’s questions or instructions. This is known as “conscious sedation.”