DENTAL SEDATION
Similar to a fear of spiders or heights, some people have a fear of visiting the dentist. Dental phobia is an incredibly common occurrence and in people of all ages and all walks of life. In alleviating feelings of apprehension, worry and dread, dental sedation can also:

• help the dentist or hygienist treat sensitive teeth
• help with compliance in long and complex procedures
• help with numbing of the teeth
• reduce “gag” reflexes
• keep anxious and restless children calm

WHAT IS DENTAL SEDATION?
It uses medicine to decrease conscious awareness. There are different modalities in which this can be accomplished, and the range of sedative effects can vary from mild to moderate to deep conscious sedation to General Anaesthesia (unconscious).

MILD sedation allows you to be relaxed and conscious. We accomplish this by using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives. With this type of sedation, the patient can respond to verbal commands and sustain a conversation. Breathing and heart rate are normal and no assistance is required to maintain these functions.

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES TO USING NITROUS OXIDE

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

REASONS TO NOT USE NITROUS OXIDE
You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.

Patients who receive nitrous oxide should not eat or drink anything 2 hours before their appointment.

MODERATE sedation involves either taking a pill or getting an IV in office to alleviate anxiety and make the patient groggy. Patients can respond to verbal commands but may need a nudge or shake. Breathing and heart rate are normal and no assistance is required to maintain these functions.

Deep sedation involves an IV to achieve depressed consciousness. In this state, the individual may not respond to verbal commands and there may be a need for assistance to sustain proper breathing and airway.

With both moderate and deep sedation, it is under no circumstances safe for the patient to drive home after their appointment. Prior to the appointment, the patient should arrange for a relative to drive them home. In addition to this, is highly recommended not to drink alcohol, drive, operate machinery or make any important decisions as the patient’s mental state will be clouded for at least 24 hours after the appointment.

GENERAL ANAESTHESIA is completely unconscious sedation accomplished by IV drug administration. With general anaesthesia, the individual is totally unresponsive and can’t be prompted. In this state there is regular need for assistance to sustain proper breathing and airway.

IS IT SAFE EATING BEFORE DENTAL SEDATION?
We strongly recommend not eating prior to your procedure as this can increase the chances of vomiting or hinder your airway. If nitrous oxide is being administered, it is advisable to not eat or drink 2 hours before the appointment. For moderate to deep sedation as well as general anaesthesia, we advise not to eat or drink anything for a longer period.

HOW MUCH IS DENTAL SEDATION?
Fees with dental sedation fluctuate and the duration of time it was administered. The fee is based on 15-minute (one unit) periods. For instance, a 45-minute (3 units x 15 minutes) nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation is around $115 in the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide. With regards to IV conscious sedation, a 1 hour (4 units x 15 minutes) is around $250 in the Fee Guide.

Please contact us to book a consult appointment with one of our Hamilton Dentists.