Sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. In our office, we use nitrous oxide or an oral sedative, such as Valium, for preoperative dental anxiety.

Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, the dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.

Oral Conscious Sedation
If you fear or dislike going to the dentist, your life could be changed by this. Oral sedation dentistry is changing the way many people get their dental care. No longer will you need to be tense or uncomfortable during dental work. The magic of this unmatched comfort is in a little blue pill.

The pill is taken an hour before the procedure and additional medication can be given throughout the procedure as needed to obtain a level of sedation that will allow complex dental procedures to be performed in perfect comfort. Because of the amnesiac properties of the medication, there is little or no memory of the visit. We can maintain a good level of sedation for six hours or more, allowing us to correct significant dental problems in as little as one visit.

Once you've experienced sedation dentistry, you will never be afraid to go to the dentist again. You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were sleeping. You will wake up refreshed, with little to no memory of what was accomplished.

For further information about Oral Conscious sedation you can go to: http://www.docseducation.com/docs/content.asp?sectionid=28

Nitrous oxide sedation
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as "laughing gas," is another option for sedation during your dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for several minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR ROOT CANAL

While root canal treatment is relatively comfortable, it is not uncommon to have tenderness for a few days following your visit. The following suggestions will aid in minimizing any discomfort.

1. As the local anesthetic wears off there may be a temporary period of discomfort. An analgesic taken for two days following treatment is recommended. A good first choice is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) taken at a dose of 600-800 mg every 4-6 hours. Naproxen sodium 440mg (Aleve) is also an excellent choice and can be taken every 8-10 hours. Tylenol is a third choice for those unable to take other medications.

2. If prescriptions were given to you then fill these as soon as possible. Antibiotics should be taken until no medication remains. If any undue reactions occur such as itching, rash, breathing difficulties then please discontinue the medication and contact the office as soon as possible.

3. Avoid chewing directly on the tooth after root canal treatment, as tenderness to pressure is normal for a few days or even several weeks following the procedure. If the tooth will require a crown, then avoiding that side will minimize the possibility of fracturing the tooth.

4. Most likely a temporary filling was placed in your tooth and you will need to return to your general dentist to have the permanent restoration completed. This should be done within 4 weeks of having your treatment completed here. After 4 weeks the temporary filling may start to leak and could cause contamination of the root canal treatment.

5. If extreme tenderness or swelling occurs; or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment please contact the office.

6. It is important to keep the tooth and surrounding tissue clean. Brush the area normally as you would your other teeth.