There are different types of sedation offered by your oral surgeon. Sleep sedation may be recommended for surgical removal of wisdom teeth; anxious patients may benefit from oral sedation for a multitude of procedures where a local or topical anesthetic might suffice for the average individual. Sedation dentistry is a critical component for many patients; your dental provider can explain how sedation dentistry can benefit you.
Sleep sedation is employed very often when impacted third molars are extracted. The oral surgeon and staff constantly monitor the patient as they sedate them for a procedure that is done quickly and precisely as the oral surgeon routinely performs this procedure many times every week.
Once teeth have been removed, the patient is monitored while awakening from the anesthetic and will usually remain groggy throughout the day. Rest the remainder of the day is recommended to limit bleeding. Pain medication may be prescribed. A return to work or school is usually allowed in a day or two, but some patients may require more healing time. The patient may experience swelling or bruising depending on the severity of the extraction.
Oral sedation has become very common for more than just surgery. Patients suffering from severe anxiety may request oral sedation for such common procedures as teeth cleaning, periodontal treatment, decay repair, placing a dental implant, or a crown prep. Many patients have such fear of the dentist, dental treatment, and/or the needles required for a local anesthetic, they require this extra bit of help to complete needed treatment.
With oral sedation, the patient takes a mild sedative at home about an hour before their scheduled appointment. Upon arrival at the dental office, vital signs are checked; additional sedatives are administered that put an already relaxed patient into an even deeper state of relaxation. As with sleep sedation, vital signs are continuously monitored. Although the patient remains conscious throughout their procedure, many patients feel like they slept during treatment. Nitrous oxide and a local anesthetic may also be used in conjunction with oral sedation.
Whichever type of sedation is applied, there are requirements that must be met. Reliable transportation for the patient is needed as they will be unable to drive following sedation. Although the individual is likely to sleep much of the remainder of the day, having someone stay with them for a few hours is recommended.
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