Sedation
WHAT IS SEDATION?
Sedation refers to a type of anesthesia that is light and alters the patient's awareness of the procedures being done. Some patients benefit from having sedation for dental procedures because it allows them to relax and overcome anxiety. Some dental surgeries call for sedation due to the complexity of the procedure. Since the patient is not under a "deep" general anesthetic, he or she still maintains their own protective reflexes and still breathes for themselves. As a result, this has an inherent lower risk than a deeper anesthetic. The types of drugs used cause a significant degree of amnesia, so the patient does not usually remember very much if any of the procedure and is not really aware of what is happening. This type of sedation can be accomplished with either intravenous or oral medications. In most cases, this is the type of anesthetic that was used if someone says that they were "put to sleep" in the dental office. Intravenous sedation has a much quicker onset and the effects are not as lasting; therefore, in our office, this technique is reserved for shorter surgeries and procedures. Oral sedation is used for longer procedures or when a patient is very uncomfortable with needles of any kind; in these cases where an oral sedation is used, no injections are given until the patient has a lower level of consciousness, when there will be little or no awareness of what treatment is being performed.
As with all sedatives, patients cannot drive, operate machinery, or undertake any activity that requires alertness. This includes such activities as walking unaided, climbing stairs, etc. Patients should not undertake positions of responsibility, care of children, etc. and should not make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after their surgical procedure. Alcohol or other sedatives should not be consumed for at least one day after surgery. Further details with regard to this are found on the Post-Operative Instruction Pamphlet.
UNCONSCIOUS SEDATION
This is like in the hospital; and is referred to as "general anesthesia". The reason this is referred to as "unconscious sedation" is that, among other things, your muscles do not function in the same manner as when you are awake. That is why an anesthesiologist is required to oversee anesthetic machines in the operating room that assist you to breathe and deliver the correct concentrations of medications and oxygen.
The major advantage of this type of anesthesia is that you are COMPLETELY unconscious, a requirement for some procedures; the major disadvantages are the expense, and the additional stress put on the body that is not shared with conscious sedation. Our dentists will inform you whether your procedures require this form of anesthesia and we will refer you to the appropriate specialist who can provide this service.
CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Our office only uses conscious sedation. This type of sedation allows bodily functions to remain essentially intact or normal. A patient undergoing conscious sedation will usually speak and respond to requests. In the majority of cases when IV or oral sedation are used, a profound amnestic effect is experienced; that is, most of the events of the day after the medication is administered will be difficult or not able to be remembered. In this office three forms of conscious sedation are provided. If sedation is beneficial for your case, our dentists will help you decide which form is appropriate for you:
- I.V. (intravenous) sedation: This provides a profound sedation very quickly, in a matter of minutes, and is controllable as to the level of sedation desired. It is used for shorter procedures, and where a patient has little or no fear of needles.
- Oral Sedation: This comes in the form of pills, a liquid, or a chewable flavoured gummy. This type of sedation has a much slower onset, usually about three quarters of an hour or more. It also has a prolonged effect compared to an intravenous sedation, and is used most often when longer surgical or restorative procedures are being performed, or where a patient is very fearful of needles or injections of any kind.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Otherwise known as "laughing gas", nitrous oxide is administered with a nasal hood that covers the nose. This type of sedation has a quick onset that is completely reversed within minutes of discontinuation. Nitrous oxide sedation offers mild relaxation effects with no amnesia, and can be used for short or long appointments. Often, Nitrous oxide is combined with oral sedation to achieve a slightly more profound sedation when required.
Consent Forms
Download your sedation consent forms here.
