According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, around 36% of the country’s population have dental fear, with at least 12% having extreme phobia with dental procedures. These people would prefer to endure a throbbing toothache than see a dentist to get checked and treated. Thankfully, Mark T. Galli, DDS specializes in sedation dentistry in Encinitas, CA.
Sedation dentistry is a type of procedure that uses a combination of dentistry and medication. Some patients can’t sit still on the dentist’s chair mostly because they’re too anxious about the procedure. To calm them down, sedation is sometimes needed.
Also known as “sleep dentistry,” it aims to help patients relax during a dentist’s appointment; although, the term is not entirely correct. Patients are usually awake during the operation except when under general anesthesia.
How sedation is used depends on the severity of the fear. The levels of sedation include:
The types of sedation used in dentistry are the following:
You inhale “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide through a mask placed over your nose. Patients who inhale this gas get to relax, and the effect is seconds fast. However, since it’s gas, its effects may wear off right away after you stop inhaling it.
This is the only type of sedation where the dentist allows you to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Some patients only need to inhale laughing gas to relax. Others need this on top of oral sedation to calm down.
Also known as “conscious sedation,” it involves taking a sedative or pill 1 hour before the procedure. The level of sedation can range from mild to moderate, depending on the need of the patient. You may also take one pill the night before and another one an hour before the procedure.
This, most importantly, should be based on your dentist’s recommendation.
Oral sedation is the type of sedation most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. As a result of the sedative, you’ll feel sleepy or may even sleep during the operation; although, you can be awakened by a gentle shake.
Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing may have to be monitored, depending on your dentist’s advice. Patients feel groggy even after the procedure, so it’s best to book a friend to send you home from the clinic.
With IV sedation, you receive the sedative through an intravenous mechanism. Since it runs directly to your veins, the result could happen faster. You’re conscious but will have little awareness of your surroundings.
Most patients fall asleep under general anesthesia. You can’t be easily awakened even with pain until the effects of the sedative wear off or are reversed by medication.
Not all dentists can perform all types of sedation dentistry. Most can administer inhaled minimal sedation, and a growing number of dentists can also perform oral sedation. Only a few, however, are trained to operate deep sedation or general anesthesia, which are more complex techniques. Some dentists will have an anesthesiologist specially trained in administering all types of sedation on the side while the procedure is going on.
Dr. Mark Galli is a DOCS-trained and a California State certified sedation dentist committed to providing stress-free and comfortable treatment to his patients. He believes that nothing should meddle with your need for a dental procedure, especially not your own fears or worries. To book an appointment at Mark T. Galli, DDS, contact our friendly team today.
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