Also known as “sleep dentistry”. Dentist define dental sedation as process which involves using medication that helps patients calm down during dental procedures. Unlike patients who undergo general anesthesia, patients remain awake under dental sedation. Oral sedation is usually safe, provided it is kept within the recommended dose. It should be in accordance with the patient’s weight and age.

The most common form of dental sedation remains local anesthesia where the part that needs to be operated is sedated during the procedure, but the sedation does not put the patient under. The other form is general anesthesia, which involves a drug that causes temporary unconsciousness. General anesthesia may be best for certain procedures, for instance wisdom teeth extraction. A typical dental sedation process involves:

• Preparation: In case of local anesthesia, your dentist will use air or cotton to dry your mouth then rub gel to sedate the skin.
• Injection: The next step involves injection of local anesthesia into the tissue of the gum. During this part, most people don’t even feel the pain of the needle, and the stinging sensation that is usually experienced as the anesthetic travels into the tissue.
• After Effects: The effect of local anesthesia lasts for a few hours. After leaving your dentist’s office, you might find it difficult to eat, drink or speak clearly. Be sure not to bite on the sedated area, as you will hurt yourself.
• Safety Checks: Dentist thoroughly consider the safety of their patients during oral sedation. When under the influence of anesthesia, the patient’s blood pressure, oxygen level, heart rate and temperature are properly examined. A patient requiring general anesthesia will usually be referred to a dental hospital.

In conclusion, dental sedation is practiced commonly and does not pose major threats to your health if administered in recommended doses. Hence, it is advised that you visit an experienced dentist for checkups and treatment.