Is Dental Sedation Right for Me?

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Going to the dentist is equally anxiety-provoking for children and adults alike. The awareness of dental tools causes many individuals to experience panic attacks and unnecessary stress, which can lead to additional emotional and physical complications.

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Advanced dental anesthesia techniques allow adults, children, and those with special needs to undergo their needed dental procedures in a comfortable and safe environment. 

Dental sedation is an appropriate option for patients requiring fillings, deep cleaning, root canals, extractions, periodontal surgery, or implants. With anesthesia, patients should no longer fear and no longer avoid going to the dentist.

Your Medical History

While many patients wish they could sleep through their dental procedure, not everyone is a candidate for dental sedation. Before your procedure, your dentist anesthesiologist will go over your medical history to ensure that dental anesthesia is safe for you. 

Inform your anesthesiologist of all of your current medications, allergies, and any prior reactions to anesthesia. 

Are There Risks to Anesthesia?

Dental anesthesia is safe when patients are screened pre-operatively and the anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, like Dr. Patel. A thorough pre-operative screening will minimize risk and possible complications. More common temporary side effects may include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, confusion, and chills. These should resolve over a few hours.

What Are My Sedation Options?

There are various strengths and techniques for dental anesthesia. The correct dosage will depend on your procedure and your overall health. 

  • Mild sedation allows patients to be relaxed but awake during the procedure. This variation has fewer side effects as it does not affect cardiovascular or ventilatory functions.

  • Moderate sedation will cause patients to feel drowsy. Patients under this sedation should still respond to verbal commands; however, they will likely retain no memory of it.

  • Deep sedation will put patients to sleep and slow their breathing. Patients may require supplemental oxygen.

  • General anesthesia will remedy patients unconscious for the length of the procedure. Patients under general anesthesia will not be aroused by pain and will remain unresponsive. The anesthesiologist will monitor vitals throughout the treatment.

For more information about advanced dental anesthesia and sedation dentistry, contact our office, by calling (732) 986-3690 or by filling out our online contact form.

Ami Patel