Different Ways To Administer Dental Sedation

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Dental sedation is the method of receiving medication prior to dental treatment, so that pain is not felt during a surgical procedure.

Dental sedation can be performed in a number of ways:

Local anesthesia is usually given to a patient requiring minor tooth extraction or surgery. A gel-like substance is applied to the patient’s mouth, and an injection is administered to numb the treatment area. Local anesthesia lasts anywhere from several minutes to several hours before it wears off.

Dental sedation is also administered through inhalation of a sedative gas. A rubber mask that accommodates the nasal area is worn while the medication is administered. The sedative gas causes the patient to feel lightheaded, sleepy and prevents the patient from feeling any pain.

Sedation can also be received by drinking certain pills. Once the medication is taken, the patient immediately falls asleep, but will be capable of hearing and smelling. The effects of the intake of sedation pills normally last for several hours.

IV sedation dentistry is applicable for severe treatment cases, or when patients become extremely nervous when dealing with dentists. With this method, anesthesia is administered intravenously. The patient will have no memory of the surgical procedure once it is complete.

Intramuscular sedation is a form of sedation that requires the patient to receive an injection in the upper arm or thigh. This method is ideal for quick surgical procedures, as the medication only lasts for several minutes to about an hour.

General anesthesia is another form of dental sedation that is ideal for patients that require major dental surgery. The patient will fall asleep shortly after this type of anesthesia is administered. General anesthesia is either injected or inhaled by the patient. Its effects are normally felt for several hours after it is administered.

A patient requiring dental sedation must only approach a dentist that is fully qualified to perform sedation dentistry. The effects of a dental sedation differ from person to person. As a result, you should discuss various sedation options with your dentist prior to going into surgery.


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