By a certain age, the chances of you undergoing surgery requiring the use of sedation and anesthetics increases. Oral surgeons, dentists, and countless medical practitioners rely on sedation and gentle anesthesia to reduce patient discomfort and simplify complicated surgeries.
While many of us might be thankful for these miraculous methods, not many people know about dental sedation. Some questions that might run through your head could be:
- Can all dentists administer anesthesia?
- Are there several ways anesthetists and dentists can administer sedatives?
- How long does dental sedation last?
- Does dental sedation hurt?
- How many types of dental sedation are there?
- Are there side-effects or lingering after-effects?
These questions and concerns are more than common. Not a week goes by where we don't hear from one of our curious or nervous patients inquiring about dental sedation. In the interest of addressing many questions and concerns at once, we thought we would compile some answers to our most frequently asked questions.
By the end of this blog post, you should have all the information you need to sit down for your next dentist visit without feeling stressed or anxious. Sedation is your friend and the professionals that administer it only ever do so in your best interest.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (416) 928-3444. Dr. Caudry and Co. are here to help you.
Sedation: Comfort Made Simple
If you've ever had a tooth pulled, a cavity filled, or have undergone oral surgery of any kind, you have likely received an oral sedative. Oral sedation makes your time in the dentist chair more comfortable-and it even makes the time go by more quickly.
Some other benefits of oral sedation dentistry include:
- Longer procedures are more manageable
- Longer procedures can be done in fewer sessions
- Ease of treatment
- Loss of patient anxiety and fear
Sedation and Anesthesia: Does it Hurt?
Many people wonder if it hurts to be administered oral sedatives. When our patients make this inquiry, we know what they're thinking: they're thinking about needles and the intravenous method.
In the case of the intravenous approach, you should not expect to feel any more than the slightest pinch. After you have received your IV, you will be as comfortable as can be.
That said, the intravenous approach is just one of many available to you. Almost all dentists and oral surgeons are qualified to administer laughing gas or even offer sedation pills.
In our facilities, when it comes to complete-sleep sedation, we rely on the expertise of trained Medical Anesthetists to administer all sedatives. Relying on the professionals such as these ensures you get nothing but the finest treatment available.
Can All Dentists Administer Sedatives?
As stated earlier, almost all practicing dentists can administer laughing gas or offer oral sedation pills such as Halcion. Only those with a specialized practice can administer IV sedation, mainly used for intensive surgical procedures, though.
Dr. Caudry' practice is a surgical operatory, outfitted with surgical areas and recovery areas, and all patients are monitored by an on-site Registered Nurse. Given the nature of our practice, we rely on the most efficient anesthetic equipment and the expertise of trained professionals. At our facilities, we meet and exceed the criteria to administer sedatives and anesthesia as put forth by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons.
More Than One Way to Sedate
Depending on the nature of your visit, you might only require a gentle sedative. In this case, your oral surgeon may only provide an oral sedative in pill-form or nitrous oxide.
Does hearing "nitrous oxide" make you nervous? Don't fear. You have likely heard nitrous oxide referred to by its other name, "laughing gas." Contrary to popular belief, this gas does not actually make you laugh. Nitrous oxide induces a state of calm relaxation and nothing more.
How Long Does Oral Sedation Last?
With our attentive anesthetists at the helm, anesthesia and sedation can be increased or adjusted at any point during your surgical procedure. Depending on the extent of your procedure and the level to which you were sedated, you can expect the sedation to linger from two to eight hours after the procedure.
In the interest of your safety, most oral surgeons will suggest that you arrange transportation for your journey home after the surgery. Anesthesia may leave you feeling extremely foggy and weak for a brief period of time. We suggest setting aside any important or demanding tasks until at least 24-hours after your procedure.
Are There After-Effects to Oral Sedation?
Whether you receive conscious or "twilight" sedation, you should prepare for any of the following after-effects:
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Light feelings of nausea
- Temporary memory loss
- Headache
- Slow reflexes
For some of our patients, these minor after-effects might come as a surprise. Thankfully, most surgical facilities have recovery rooms where their patients can comfortably wait for these side-effects to pass. In our facility, you are looked after until the moment you vacate the premises. Your well-being is our priority.
Every medication comes with its risks-even every day Aspirin has a list of potential side-effects on the side of its bottle. That said, surgical facilities such as ours go to great lengths to provide patients with the greatest care possible. The Anesthetists from the Humber River Hospital that work with us will monitor your case closely.
Sedation Is Our Specialty
Our patients know how seriously we take oral surgery. Though we pride ourselves on our work, we place a special emphasis on overall patient comfort. With our wide range of sedation options, we can ensure your comfort during even the lengthiest and most complicated procedures.
Would you like to learn more about how we put the patient first? If so, contact us at (416) 928-3444. We are always ready to take a potential client' call.