Re: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PREPARATIONS FOR CONSCIOUS SEDATION

4 stages of sedation in dentistry to make you comfortable even before you walk into a dentist’s..

Sedation in dentistry is widely used today in various procedures ranging from an anxious patient to reconstructive surgery. Many procedures require both, anesthesia and sedation to ensure optimum comfort and numbing, and may be administrated intravenously, through an inhalation mask, or orally. It is important to understand the difference between dental anesthesia and dental sedation: anesthesia removes pain, whereas sedation relieves stress or anxiety and affects consciousness. Depending on how much pain you are likely to incur or your personal anxiety level, your dentist will discuss an appropriate stage of dental sedation for you.

There are four stages of sedation in dentistry:

• Light Sedation – to give you a relaxed or calm sensation that soothes anxiety. Usually induced by chemical compound nitrous oxide (N2O) before the procedure in any form mentioned above.

• Medium Sedation – also induced by N2O and often referred to as “conscious sedation in dentistry” because this amount of sedation affects your consciousness, causing you to flitter in and out, while still able to follow the dentist’s instructions. This form of sedation may also be administrated in the same way as mentioned above.

• Deep Sedation – this third stage also affects your consciousness but a larger dose means more time unconscious and less cooperation following dental instruction. This may be deemed appropriate if the procedure (or if your dentist decides) your assistance is not essential and pain will be substantial. Usually intravenously induced.

• Sleep Sedation / IV Sedation – is the most advanced form of sedation in dentistry. This stage uses intravenous drugs to induce a complete sleep through the procedure (no matter how lengthy or complex) without any awareness, anxiety, memory, pain or discomfort.
Some patients have severe cases of dentist phobia where even routine visits seem terrifying while others experience less extreme stress. Thanks to sedation in dentistry – you can ascertain your personal amount of anxiety and decide with your dentist what would be an appropriate level of sedation for you. It is also essential to discuss any health conditions you may have that may be aggravated by sedation or if you are currently taking any other medications that may interfere.