Things to Know About the Anesthesia Used in Sedation Dentistry
- By Mary Marks
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- 10 Jan, 2022
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Even though the word “anesthetic” is thrown a lot around in dentistry, very few actual patients know what anesthetics are about and how they are used. Learning about the actual substances used to put you to sleep during a dental procedure can be essential not only to put your mind at ease about them, but also when it comes to making a more informed choice.
Local anesthesia usually involves the use of a substance called novocaine – which you probably already heard of. This is the most widely used general anesthetic for mild dental procedures, and it’s normally used for root canal, dental crown placement, extractions and several other types of procedures.
A popular type of method used in sedation dentistry is also nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This inhalable gas is a good option for a painless and comfortable introduction to sedation, along with other substances used for sedation such as valium, propofol and midasolam.
Sedation dentistry can help greatly reduce stress and nervousness, alleviate or eliminate pain, and even put the patient entirely to sleep for more advanced surgeries that require considerable work. In the case of sedation the dosage has to be very carefully measured and administered correctly, which is why expert recommend you opt for a certified sedation dentist before considering any procedure that involves actual sedation.





Although oral sedation dentistry Highlands Ranch is one of the optionsavailable for managing anxiety and discomfort during oral surgery, you certainly do not need to use it all the time. As a matter of fact, the exact type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive during oral procedures may depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, your medical problems, as well as your doctor’s preferences.
There can be several different levels of sedation that can be used in oral surgery. Local anesthesia is one of them. This involves injecting anesthetic medication into the specific area where the surgery will take place. It numbs the area and is often used for less invasive procedures.
Oral sedation involves taking medication in the form of a pill to induce a state of relaxation and drowsiness. The patient is still conscious, but he/she may not be fully aware of the procedure. At any rate, sedation helps him/her get rid of anxiety.
In the case of intravenous sedation, medication is administered through a vein, which induces a deeper state of sedation than oral sedation. Patients may still be conscious, but they are less aware of their surroundings and may not remember the procedure.




