Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Whether you are scared of the dentist or need to undergo multiple dental procedures at once, sedation dentistry can play a major role in giving you a pleasant experience during the appointment. Sedation is available in different forms, from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. However, if you have never experienced dental sedation at the dental office, you may be concerned about the safety of the procedure. The simple answer is that sedation dentistry is safe, and this article provides the necessary information about the process.

Keeping sedation dentistry safe

Although many patients may prefer dental sedation for their dental procedure, not everyone is eligible for every form of sedation. Most people can tolerate nitrous oxide with no issue, and it is the safest for them out of all the options available. However, when the options shift to oral sedation or sleep dentistry, the possible risks increase.

The key is to ensure that the dental professional has the training and experience to handle the type of sedation in question. Patients can ask how often they provide sedation and the risks of complications. The dentist should ask about the patient’s complete medical history and current medications, including supplements and vitamins. Some medical conditions and meds do not go well with some sedation options.

The dentist should be able to inform the patient of the proper dose for them based on their health and age, as well as what to do if the sedation option fails to work. Patients do not all react the same to similar dosages. Patients should seek to know the potential risks based on their situation and ask as many questions as possible.

While under sedation, the dentist and their staff will continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs – heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure – to ensure everything is in order. The office will also have drugs and oxygen to reverse sedation in case the patient needs them. Only a trained and licensed professional will administer the sedation.

Although sedation dentistry is safe for most patients, anything can happen. The dentist will provide the best and safest sedation option based on the information provided by the patient. The patient will remain safe while under sedation.

The safest sedation option

The safest sedation dentistry option depends on factors like the patient’s medical history, current medications and age. Generally, nitrous oxide is regarded as the least invasive and safest choice. Oral sedation comprises anti-anxiety meds and, for many people, is completely safe. IV or sleep sedation makes the patient semi-conscious and therefore has some risks. However, when handled by a qualified dentist, the risks are minimal.

Final note

Sedation dentistry is fully safe for most patients. It is totally normal to feel skeptical about a medication or procedure that you are not familiar with, so you should ask questions. Contact the dental office if you need to talk to a dentist about your fear of dentists or dental procedures. Ask about sedation options and how it can help you stay comfortable and alleviate your worries.

Request an appointment here: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

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