Patients who come to the periodontist may be a bit concerned about discomfort accompanying the interventions used to treat gum disease, whether the treatment is surgical or non-invasive.
Sedation dentistry is available to ease these patients’ qualms, but some may be hesitant to take advantage of that method as well due to questions about its safety.
Sedation dentistry is available to ease these patients’ qualms, but some may be hesitant to take advantage of that method as well due to questions about its safety.
Patients considering sedation dentistry should be reassured that the method is quite safe. In fact, it’s actually even safer than general anesthesia, which particularly fearful patients might view as an alternative.
The main advantage of sedation dentistry is that patients remain conscious throughout the procedure. The patient receives anti-anxiety medications to reach a state of deep relaxation that feels like sleep but really isn’t.
Because the patient maintains consciousness, he or she is able to continue to respond to the doctor’s requests.
The airway is not compromised with sedation dentistry, either. This also sets sedation apart from general anesthesia, which requires artificial airway maintenance.
Some of the sedation methods can be adjusted throughout the treatment, and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored throughout the appointment as an additional protective measure.
Patients have a significant amount of choice in sedation dentistry, too. The sedative medications can be administered in a variety of ways. Intravenous sedation takes effect quickly, but it may not be appropriate for patients who are skittish about needles. Alternatively, oral sedatives are available. They must be taken prior to the appointment, and the patient should make arrangements for someone to escort them to the appointment in these cases. Nitrous oxide can be another option for the sedative.
Additionally, patients will have no recollection of the procedure after the fact, which is another benefit of sedation.
The effects of sedation do reverse more quickly than those of general anesthesia, but patients still will not be alert enough to drive themselves home after the appointment. If you’re using sedation, be sure to have a responsible adult available to take you home afterward.
Sedation dentistry can help give you a more comfortable experience with periodontal treatment. Talk to our periodontist at Park Cities Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to learn more about your options. Call 214-949-1836 for an appointment today.