The term sedation dentistry refers to the utilization of a sedative during dental treatment. The use of sedation most frequently happens during extensive treatments.
Sedation ranges from the utilization of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) to help a patient relax, to the use of general anesthetics that put patients fully asleep. Patients who are afraid of the dentist, have a low pain tolerance, need major dental procedures, have physical handicaps or a strong gag reflex may need sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Here at Metroplex Implants & Family Dentistry we utilize three different forms of sedation: nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation and IV sedation.
Nitrous-oxide is frequently utilized for conscious sedation during dental treatment. The gas is given with a mixture of oxygen, and has a relaxing effect that assists anxious or phobic patients to remain calm during their dental procedure. Since nitrous-oxide is a mild sedative, patients remain conscious and can speak with Dr. Wadhwa throughout their appointment. After the treatment is complete, the nitrous portion of the gas is turned off and oxygen is given for 5-10 minutes to help flush out any remaining gas. The effects of the gas wear off almost immediately. Nitrous-oxide very rarely has side-effects, although minor nausea and constipation may be experienced by some patients. Your dentist will give you instructions for both before and after the sedation treatment. Dr. Wadhwa and her staff will go over all instruction for both before and after the sedation treatment.
For conscious oral sedation Dr. Wadhwa prescribes the patient an oral sedative, which they fill at a local pharmacy and bring it with them to the appointment. The oral sedative is administered in office under the supervision of Dr. Wadhwa.
Dr. Gandhi is certified to administer IV sedation to our patients at Metroplex Implants & Family Dentistry. IV sedation is commonly used for surgical procedures. IV sedations stands for intravenous, as the sedating medication is administered into the veins through a small needle placed either within your inner elbow or on the top of your hand. Similar to the other types of sedation dentistry, IV sedation relaxes you and makes you feel totally comfortable. IV sedation also eliminates pain and anxiety. Although you might lie back with your eyes closed in the dental chair, you will remain awake during your treatment and will continue be capable of responding to verbal cues from Dr. Gandhi. Your complete relaxation will allow Dr. Wadhwa and Dr. Gandhi to accomplish more high-quality dental care in a shorter time. IV sedation is so relaxing that you will be unaware of the smells, sights and sounds of the dental treatment. Patients typically remember next to nothing from their appointment by the following day.
With IV sedation Dr. Gandhi has optimal control of how much medication is administered, allowing them to quickly and comfortably increase or decrease your sedation level as needed. An added benefit of IV sedation is that it offers faster onset of the sedating medications, which means you will be able to experience the effects of the medication quickly.