CONSCIOUS SEDATION

 

CONSCIOUS SEDATION – TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF DENTISTRY

Finally , there is an option for patients who may be fearful or anxious about dentistry or simply do not have time for multiple appointments. If you are one of the millions of people who experience uncomfortable levels  of anxiety with a dental treatment, conscious sedation is the answer you have been looking for. Conscious sedation will make your dental visit, comfortable, relaxed, safe, and pain free experience. 

Conscious sedation has become popular for use in a variety of different settings and for different types of procedures.

Sedation dentistry is also referred to as sleep dentistry. It involves using a combination of sedative and pain relieving drugs to put the patient into a relaxed state. The patients level of comfort, sedation and vitals will be monitored by the anethetist with medical equipment so that the procedure is completely safe. No eating and drinking is allowed 4 hours prior to the appointment. The patient is not really asleep, but not completely awake either, but can respond to the dentists or anethetists commands. The patient will not remember anything afterwards. 

 

How can I benefit from conscious sedation?

Anxiety and fear factor

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental treatment was anxiety or fear. Patients who are faced with a heightened level of fear or anxiety, or who require involved dental procedures (like root canals or surgical extraction’s) may elect to be sedated for their treatment.  Anxiety and fear are serious problems for many of us. People experience fear due to a variety of causes; the uncertainty of the future, work pressures, and relationship pressures are only a few of the things people fear on a day-to-day basis. What’s more, many suffer from anxiety over their health and are anxious about dental care. There are a great many people who fear visiting the dentist to such an extent that they forgo visiting completely, neglecting an important part of basic health care. The main reason for this is the thought of the pain of dental procedures that they may have to go through. So for these people, even something as painless as teeth whitening is ruled out. Dental treatment doesn’t have to be something that’s feared, and can be completely painless thanks to oral sedation dentistry. Conscious sedation allows the patient to be calm and drowsy while still in control.  

If you’ve been putting off years of dental work, “conscious sedation” dentistry will change your life. When it comes to eliminating pain and anxiety, no other technique comes close! 

 

Extended Appointments - Time Collapse Dentistry

A further benefit is that you can have all your dental care done in one relaxing appointment, and you will have little or no memory of the treatment. Patients who have extremely busy schedules and require multiple procedures may elect to be sedated for a single long appointment rather than multiple ones. Many patients with active careers or lifestyles have difficulty “finding the time” to undergo either routine dental care or treatments that require several sessions.

Business entrepreneurs or busy self employed patients enjoy the opportunities of having a special appointment set up to complete all needed treatments in only one, uninterrupted visit. Conscious sedation has the magical effect of collapsing the time dimension of treatment. With proper levels of monitored sedation a long appointment can seem like 15 minutes.

 

Reduced discomfort

Naturally, there are the additional benefits of experiencing minimal discomfort and effortless anxiety management. Patients who have experienced muscular discomforts with certain types of treatment (root canals, multiple fillings, posterior restorations) can usually expect the absence of these post-treatment discomforts. Sedation medications, for many patients, produce a level of muscle relaxation that can eliminate common discomforts associated with long appointments. 

 

What are the advantages of conscious sedation?

Recovery is quick 

Normal activity can usually be resumed within  4 hours after the operation. There is no postoperative complications like nausea and sore throat experienced with general anesthesia.

 

It is convenient 

Conscious sedation can be done in the dentist’s chair. These locations are often less intimidating than a theater to patients who are anxious.

 

It saves costs 

Conscious sedation cost much less than general anesthesia as theater and hospital fees are cut.

 

Less side-effects

 According to recent study, 96 percent of patients experience no side effects, like nausea and vomiting, which can be a common complaint after general anaesthesia.

 

It is safe

The patient’s level of consciousness, lung and heart function are all continually monitored with special equipment throughout the procedure to reduce possible risks and to ensure that your treatment is completely safe. Computer-controlled infusion pumps increase the accuracy and patients have complete control over breathing. The protective reflexes – coughing and swallowing – also remain intact and communication is possible.  Sedation dentistry allows a patient to be calm and drowsy while still remaining in control. 

 

Who can benefit from it?

People who have . . .

Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment

History of traumatic dental experiences 

Difficulty getting numb 

A bad gag reflex or difficulty opening their mouths

Very sensitive teeth 

Complex dental problems or a need for dental surgery

Limited time to complete dental care 

People who . . .

Hate needles 

Are in denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable

Have not received professional dental care in many years

Hate the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care 

Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Often make and then cancel dental appointments

Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrest

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel any pain?
No. You will feel nothing!

Will I be unconscious?
No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.

Will I be monitored?
 Yes, the anesthetists is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs and treatment time required.

Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you home again.

Practical considerations

If you consider having a procedure done under conscious sedation, discuss the possibility with your dentist or specialist. Many anesthesiologists around the country are trained to do it. You will also be asked to sign a document of informed consent beforehand, and given instructions as to pre- and postoperative care. Most medical aid schemes are keen to cover the procedures, as conscious sedation can be a less costly alternative to general anaesthesia. Contact your medical scheme beforehand to check with them.

Although it was first developed for use in dental procedures, conscious sedation is now widely used for many less invasive surgical procedures where local anesthetics are used, like cosmetic/plastic surgery; ear, nose and throat operations; endoscopic procedures, like gastroscopies and colonoscopies; interventional radiology; and in-vitro fertilization.

Conscious sedation promises a wholly comfortable and predicable dental experience. Because patients are comfortable, they are able to have more dental work completed in a single visit and  free from anxiety. Patients that have experienced sedation dentistry, will never be afraid to have dental work again.  If the thought of going to the dentist makes you uneasy, anxious, or physically sick then sedation dentistry can help.  Dr Hartshorne receives countless referrals from patients who have found their experience with conscious sedation to be positively life changing.