Sedation Dentistry
Is Sleep Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation can be explained as a process in which any anxious or stressed person can be brought to a relaxed and calm state by using sedatives like tanqualisers, depressants or anti-anxiety medications. This is mainly used in various medical practices.
Dentists are also practicing sedation process to calm their patients before being treated or operated upon. Dental treatments can be very painful and getting one done is not less than a nightmare for many. Here comes the Sedation Dentistry which helps dental patients to relax and have anxiety-free experience.
But since it involves use of sedatives, it is also a matter of health concern. If not administered by a trained professional, sedative dentistry can reverse its effects and put health of the patients at stake.
From a here a question arises, “Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?”
Many Australians are still unaware of this aspect of dental healthcare and unknown facts leads to right or wrong perceptions, correct!
Sedation Levels
There are three levels of Sedation in dentistry which are considered safe for dental patients: –
- Mild Sedation technique involves oral consumption of sedative in form of pills. At this level, patient is in conscious state of mind but is relaxed and drowsy.
- Moderate Sedation technique involves inhalation of sedative in form a gas (laughing gas or nitrous oxide). At this level, the patient is still conscious and responds well to the instructions of the doctor. But after the effect of sedative vanishes off, the patient may or may not be able to recall the actual procedure s/he went through.
- Deep Sedation technique involves injection of sedative into patient’s blood vessels.
Sedation Dentistry is safe for most dental patients except
- Patients who are suffering from diseases like cold and flu are not considered fit enough to go for sedation.
- Patients who are suffering from chronic diseases like respiratory illness (i.e. asthma) are also restricted for this sedation procedure.
- Patients who are suffering from obesity are also not advised sedation as it may cause air blockage.
Sedation dentistry goes well for children and elderly also. Since they are more prone to fall sick, extra precautions should be taken. These may include allergy tests, determination of adverse reactions with current medication (if any) and uncovering any underlying medical complications that may worsen due to unsuitable sedative consumption.
Above all, it is always recommended that the patient should discuss everything related to the procedure like types of sedatives and their side effects on health. Precaution should be taken before consenting for any type of sedation dentistry.
At Lincoln Dental, your health is our responsibility and better dental health is our promise. Make a call today at 03 9850 1713.