Everything You Need To Know About Dental Sedation

Posted on by Adam Ioannidis

Going to the dentist can be incredibly stressful for some people due to anxiety, sensitive teeth and for many other reasons. However, avoiding the dentist means that if you have any issues they are only going to get worse over time. Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the road for your oral health. At Eden Rise, we accommodate for patients with special needs by offering dental sedation. A way to calm, relax or even put to sleep so we can take care of your teeth while putting you at ease. Not sure what dental sedation entails? In this blog, we are going through everything you need to know about dental sedation.

 

 

What is dental sedation?

Dental sedation is when you undergo a dental procedure, big or small, with the aid of relaxants. Depending on the type of procedure you are getting you might need to be medically relaxed or unconscious. It is different from pain blocking medication, as it relaxes you, but they are often used together. You’ll either receive is in a drip, by inhaling gas, or in a pill form. Here are the different types of sedation your dentist may suggest:

 

  • Minimal sedation is when you are awake but relaxed.
  • Moderate sedation is when you are still aware but you won’t remember much of the procedure.
  • Deep sedation is when you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
  • General anaesthesia is when you are completely unconscious.

 

Why do you need it?

There are many reasons why your dentist might recommend sedation:

  • If you have anxiety then ingesting a sedative will help calm you and get you through the procedure
  • If the procedure is complex or a lengthy surgery then you’ll probably be put under general anaesthetic
  • While your dentist will give you something to numb the pain, people who have a low pain threshold may also need a sedative
  • People with extra sensitive teeth may need it just to get through check-ups
  • People who have a strong gag reflex will need sedation so they don’t interrupt the procedure
  • People who have difficulty sitting still

 

If you think you need sedation then start a conversation with your dentist and let them know about your concerns.

 

How do you prepare for it?

 

Depending on the level of sedation you are going under, there are some important safety precautions that you need to follow. Don’t stress about it too much, your dentist will tell you everything you need to know and take you through what you need to do to prepare. Here are the main things you need to know or should ask:

 

  • The main rule you have to be strict about is eating or drinking before going under general anaesthetic. In fact, you should eat six to eight hours before surgery and some may even say twelve hours. This is because there is a risk or regurgitating and vomiting during the procedure. That can cause damage to your lungs
  • Make sure you have somebody to drive you home after the procedure and that you have somebody to keep an eye on your for at least a day
  • Take the day off work, or if a child is a patient organise to take a day off school
  • Discuss your medical history with your dentist and bring up anything that could be a potential concern
  • If you are on any medications let your dentist know
  • Wear comfortable clothes
  • Avoid wearing any jewellery
  • Avoid wearing any makeup before the procedure

 

What should I expect afterwards?

 

After sedation you will feel groggy, tired or even a little disorientated. It is vital that you have a trusted friend, partner or family member around that can look after you and keep an eye on you. Some types of sedation will wear off quicker than others. If you have a lot to do, or desperately need to get back to work the day of the procedure, it is best to discuss which form of sedation will work best for you. Here are some aftercare tips to help with recovery:

 

  • Take it easy. Give yourself time to relax and nap
  • As always, drink plenty of fluids
  • If you’ve had general anaesthetic prepare some easy to eat foods like jelly, soup or yogurt
  • Follow care instructions your dentist has given you

 

If you’d like to talk to a friendly dentist about dental sedation, Eden Rise Dental is a Berwick dental clinic that offers general dentistry as well as more specialised services, such as orthodontic treatments and root canal therapy. Our team of friendly and professional dentists are able to give you detailed reports on your dental health and will recommend appropriate treatments from there. Drop by our Berwick dental clinic or simply call (03) 9702 6111 to schedule an appointment today.