Conscious vs. Intravenous Dental Sedation for Anxious Patients

1. Conscious vs. Intravenous Dental Sedation for Anxious Patients Do you or your child dread visiting the dentist? You're not alone. Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue affecting many Australians. The good news is that Sedation Dentistry presents a solution for those who struggle with anxiety during dental procedures. In this blog, we'll explore the two primary types of dental sedation – conscious and intravenous. So, let's get started! What is Dental Anxiety? Dental anxiety is a condition that can range from mild unease to severe fear related to dental procedures. Dental anxiety typically results from past traumatic dental experiences or the fear of pain. In fact, dental anxiety and phobia affect about 16% of adults and 10% of children in Australia. The fear of dental procedures can lead to avoidance, which ultimately impacts oral health. If your child has dental anxiety or requires a dental procedure, ensure to consult a dental professional qualified in Dentistry for Children.

2. What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry? Dental sedation involves medications or sedatives that alleviate your dental anxiety. You can be a good candidate for dental sedation if you or your child: ● Experience dental anxiety or phobia of visiting the dentist. ● Have Extremely sensitive teeth or gums. ● Have a sensitive or strong gag reflex. ● Experience difficulty controlling movements. ● Have special physical, cognitive, or behavioural needs. Whether a dentist recommends dental sedation for you or your child, it offers several benefits. These include: ● Enhanced Comfort: Sedation ensures you or your child remain calm and comfortable throughout the dental procedure. ● Pain Management: Sedation reduces pain perception and sensitivity. Thus, with the right sedation, you'll feel less distressed and anxious. ● Time Efficiency: Since your sedatives alleviate your anxiety and make you calm, Dental procedures can often be completed more quickly. Consequently, you'll need to spend less time in the dentist's chair. Now, let's take a look at the two most common types of Sedation Dentistry: conscious and intravenous sedation. Conscious Dental Sedation Conscious dental sedation involves using various techniques to alleviate anxiety while keeping you awake and responsive. Two common methods of conscious sedation are nitrous oxide (popularly known as laughing gas) and oral sedatives. ● Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A dentist will deliver this sedation by placing a mask over your nose. You need to inhale the gaseous sedative through the mask. It induces a feeling of relaxation, making you less anxious. ● Oral Sedatives: These are prescription medications taken orally before the dental appointment. Oral sedation can be a suitable option if you or your child experience mild to moderate anxiety levels. Conscious sedation is often suggested for patients who need a moderate level of anxiety relief. For children, a dental professional specialising in Dentistry for Children recommends the best dental sedation after understanding your child's unique condition.

3. Intravenous Dental Sedation Intravenous dental sedation, on the other hand, is a deeper form of sedation administered by a qualified anesthetist. ● This method is particularly beneficial for patients with extreme dental phobia anxiety levels or those undergoing complex dental treatments. ● The sedative is administered through an intravenous route. ● One significant advantage of intravenous sedation is that the level of sedation can be controlled. Your dentist can induce a state of deep relaxation. This sedation can cause partial or complete memory loss of the procedure. Safety Concerns and Precautions Both conscious and intravenous dental sedation are safe when administered by a qualified, trained and experienced dental team. However, certain precautions and pre-screening are essential to ensure the patient's well-being. Before any sedation procedure, your dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history to identify the most appropriate sedation method. What can you expect post-sedation? Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation where you can become fully awake after the procedure. The sedation completely wears off, and you might even drive yourself home. However, with other forms of sedation, you need to consider the following: ● You may experience common side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or a dry mouth. These effects are usually mild and temporary. ● It's essential to have someone to drive you back home after the dental procedure involving sedation. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home. ● Once you're home, prioritise rest. Your body needs time to fully recover from the sedation. Take it easy for the remainder of the day. ● Drink clear fluids to stay hydrated. It's recommended that you avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. These can interfere with your recovery. ● For the remainder of the day, it's best to avoid strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, or operating machinery. Your coordination may still be affected. ● If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, contact your dentist immediately. While these occurrences are rare, it's always better to seek professional advice.

4. Wrapping up Choosing the right sedation option depends on various factors, including the level of anxiety, the type of dental procedure, and your or your child's medical history. During your initial consultation session at the dental clinic, your dentist will examine these factors and recommend the most suitable sedation method. Sedation Dentistry serves as a huge advantage for individuals who grapple with dental anxiety.