A lot of people are afraid of dental checkups because they do not have full information about the process and effects. In reality, going to the dentist can be a very fulfilling experience and you can get rid of the normal aches and pains plus give your mouth added beauty and symmetry. Sedation dentistry is another part of the concept that eases patients to give them a more enjoyable experience. Knowing more about the process and materials will keep your fears at bay and even give you a chance to compare things before you begin.

Description of the Term

Sedation dentistry is defined as the use of pharmacological materials and agents that will help ease and relax patients before and during any dental appointment. The pharmacological agents are generally involved in a class of drugs known as sedatives. These work by depressing the central nervous system, especially the areas that are involved in conscious awareness. There are different levels of depression of the central nervous system.

Every one links to a kind of relaxation that can be categorized as mild, moderate or deep. Generally, mild or minimal sedation is described as reducing the anxiety of the patient, with the patient responding well to physical and verbal stimuli. Moderate sedation is described as putting the patient into a relaxed state, responding well to intentional stimuli. Deep sedation is described as putting the patient into a sedated mood, wherein he does not show any conscious signs and will be unresponsive to stimuli.

The Routes

Sedation via pharmacologic means can be acquired through two general routes. The enteral route is described as the absorption of medication along the enteric membranes which go along the alimentary canal starting from the oral cavity, via the digestive tract and ending in the rectum. The route involves medications that can be swallowed, inserted through the rectum or absorbed via the oral cavity mucosa. The parenteral route includes provision of sedative mediations aside from absorption via the enteric membranes. This involves processes outside the alimentary canal. The methods also include intramuscular, intravenous, inhalation, submucosal administration and more.

More Definitions

Sedation dentistry is incorporated by dentists to give patients a worry-free and relaxing dental experience. Individuals who are too scared or worried to go to the dentist because of the pain, aches and other problems can go through various processes, without any trouble. They can get rid of the normal worries also known as dental phobia. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation was formed to make sure that dental patients always have a comfortable and safe time visiting. According to statistics about 30% of the population stays away from dentists because of fear and dental phobia. This can be a problem as oral health and hygiene can be compromised greatly.

About Sedation

Sedation is described as a procedure that eases and calms patients via the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs include depressants, nitrous oxide, tranquilizers and many more, and can be given through different methods. The most used method years ago was through IV or intravenous route, wherein sedatives are administered by injecting into the blood vessels of the arm.

Currently, there are even less invasive and painful ways to administer the medications, such as inhaling nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Oral sedation dentistry is the most common method today in the United States and Canada. This gets rid of the common fear of needles by most patients. Some patients do not even remember certain parts of the procedure and goes home without any fear and worry. This paves the way to more visits to the dentist. In some cases, local anesthesia can be given to patients. This eases or eliminates pain for special techniques and procedures.

Shamblott Family Dentistry is an Eden Prairie Dentist serving the Twin Cities Metro Area.