“Kids & Adults Sedation For Dental Treatments”.

SEDATION DENTISTRY, WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

What are the differences between Nitrous Oxide and General Anesthesia?

It’s important to note that nitrous oxide sedation is different from general anesthesia, which renders the patient completely unconscious. With nitrous oxide sedation, patients are still able to respond to questions and follow commands from the dentist. With general anesthesia the patient will be completely asleep during the whole procedure, all of it to be done in a surgical theater. There are different levels of sedation dentistry, from minimal to deep, and each one is suitable for different types of procedures and patients.

Nitrous oxide or general anesthesia?

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common types of sedation used in dentistry. It is a gas that you breathe in through a mask that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. You will be awake during the procedure but won’t feel any discomfort or pain. It is used for procedures that aren’t heavy surgeries and where we may need the patient to be in a woke state.

General anesthesia is used for more complex procedures that require the patient to be fully asleep. With this type of sedation, you will be asleep during the procedure, under control of the anesthesiologist who will monitor all your vital signs ensuring your complete safety.

Dental Phobia, can Sedation Dentistry apply?

Many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. For some, this feeling is so intense that it can prevent them from seeking necessary dental care. This condition is called dental phobia, and it affects an estimated 15% of the population.

Dental phobia can be caused by a variety of things, including a bad experience at the dentist, a fear of needles or pain, or a general anxiety about going to the dentist. Whatever the cause, dental phobia can make it very difficult to get the dental care you need.

Luckily, there is a solution for those who suffer from dental phobia: sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during their dental procedures. There are different types of sedation available at Versailles Dental Clinic, ranging from light sedation (also called “anxiety control”) to deep sedation (also called “sleep dentistry”). During your consultation as Versailles Dental Clinic, we will work with you to determine which type of sedation is right for you based on your level of anxiety and your treatment needs.

Sedation dentistry has helped countless people overcome their fear of the dentist and get the treatment they need so if you suffer from dental phobia, don’t hesitate to talk to one of Versailles Dental Clinic professionals about sedation options, it could change your life.

General Anesthesia for dental treatments, how does it work?

General Anesthesia is a medical treatment that uses specifically dosed and controlled drugs to block pain and other sensations. A range of different drugs can be used, depending on the type of anesthesia needed. General anesthesia is used for major surgery and other procedures that require a deep level of sedation. This type of anesthesia affects the entire body and causes you to become unconscious. During general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will carefully monitor your vital signs and make sure you remain safe and comfortable. When the procedure is over, the drugs will be reversed and you will slowly wake up.

How to Prepare for dental procedure under General anesthesia and what to expect?

If you are scheduled for a dental procedure that will require general anesthesia, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to prepare. Most importantly, do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the procedure. This includes water.

It is also your responsibility to inform your dentist at Versailles Dental Clinic of any medical conditions you have, as well as any allergies. Be sure to let us know if you have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia in the past.

Prior to the procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This form indicates that you understand the risks associated with general anesthesia and that you give your permission for the procedure to be performed.

You should also plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure, as any type of sedation can cause drowsiness and drastically impair your understanding of the surroundings and your ability to drive.

Before proceeding the general anesthesia, you will be assessed by your anesthesiologist, and you will be given an IV line through which specific medication will be administered. You may also be given oxygen through a mask to help keep your oxygen levels safe during the procedure. After the procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once you are awake and alert, you will be able to go home with someone who can drive you. If you have no one to drive you home you can request Versailles Dental Clinic to provide you with a team member to escort and drive you home safe. We are always happy to help!

What are the most common Risks of General Anesthesia?

Like in any surgeries under general anesthesia there are risk that your dentist or oral surgeon will go over with you before your procedure. These include:

-Reactions to the medication: Some people may have reactions to the medications used during general anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Be sure to tell your dentist or oral surgeon if you have any allergies or previous reactions to medications.

-Breathing problems: There is a small risk of respiratory failure associated with general anesthesia. This is why it’s important to clearly state any known problems you may have experienced in your life that could be an indicator of heart condition or respiratory illness.

-Heart problems: There is also a small risk of heart problems associated with general anesthesia, such as irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure. Again, this is why it’s important to have someone drive you home after your procedure.

-Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding associated with any surgical procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will go over how to reduce this risk before your procedure and avoid any discomforting issues.

You can read more interesting facts about all types and side effects of anesthesia used in dentistry in following this link.

What are the most common Procedures that can be undertaken with General Anesthesia?

There are a variety of dental procedures that can be completed under general anesthesia. This could be due to the complexity of the procedure, the amount of time it would take to complete, or if a patient is particularly anxious or has dental phobia. Some examples of dental procedures that may require general anesthesia include:

-Extractions (including wisdom teeth)

-Root canals

-Dental crowns

-Maxillofacial surgery

-Bone grafting

-Dental Implant placement

Overall, general anesthesia is a very safe way to have dental work done. If you have any concerns about having dental work done under general anesthesia, be sure to discuss them with one of Versailles Dental Clinic practitioner dentist beforehand and ask any questions you may have.