Are You Awake During Dental Sedation?
For people who are sensitive to dental treatments or have anxiety about seeing the dentist, sedation dentistry can help. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed during their dental visits. There are different types of sedation, but it is important to understand that this is not the same type of sedation that “knocks you out”. Dental sedation is designed to put people into a calmer state where they do not go to sleep but experience what some people refer to as “twilight sleep”. Basically, when you are sedated during a dental visit you will be much calmer and less sensitive, and in some cases, you might experience some forgetfulness.
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Are There?
There are a few different types of sedation dentistry that a patient might get during their dental visit. The type your dentist will recommend might be based on your health history, what treatments you are receiving, and what types of sedation they provide. Here are the main options:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas): Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is often inhaled via a mask or nosepiece. After about five minutes a patient will feel calmer. Nosepieces are often used to continue supplying nitrous oxide while the dentist works on your teeth and gums. Once the treatment is over, oxygen is used to flush all the nitrous oxide out of your system.
- Oral Sedation: There are a variety of pills that provide sedative effects that some dentists use. These medications can also be given in liquid form. The medication is usually taken about an hour before the procedure begins so that a patient feels the effects before the treatment starts. Patients often feel very tired while sedated via oral sedation. You will need someone to drive you home as it is unsafe to drive after receiving oral sedation.
- IV Sedation: Intravenous sedation works by using an IV line to distribute sedatives directly into the bloodstream. IV sedation is used less often and only for long procedures. IV sedation can often cause people to fall asleep and have little to no memory of their treatment.
Why Do You Need To Be Awake For Dental Treatments?
Most sedation options do not put you “under” but keep you alert. This is because you often need to be responsive during dental procedures. So while sedation can help keep you calm and less aware of what is happening, you will still be awake.
Sedation Dentistry in Massachusetts
For patients in Peabody, Winthrop, and Newburyport, our dental offices provide sedation dentistry and restorative dental solutions. If you are anxious about dental treatments, please give us a call to discuss dental treatments that can help you feel more relaxed during your treatment.
