Sedation Options Sedation is often needed to perform dental procedures to help our patients relax while we perform the dental work, such as receiving dental implants. Sedation is often used alongside local anesthesia to provide a relaxing effect while the anesthesia numbs you. Types of SedationPlacentia Oral Surgery uses four different variations of sedation, each with a different administration method and level of effect. Oral SedativesOral sedatives are taken when we only need to provide minimal sedation, though these can be used in higher doses to provide moderate sedation. This type of sedative is administered in pill form usually, but you can also take a liquid medication if you find it difficult to swallow pills. These sedatives will make you drowsy, though you will likely remain awake. That being said, some patients do become so drowsy that they fall asleep. You will wake up fairly easily though, as the effects only last about 30 minutes. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)Laughing gas, scientifically known as nitrous oxide, is a mild type of sedative that wears off immediately when administration ceases. We administer this gas through a mask that goes over your nose, so you breathe it in directly. Our oral surgeon administers the nitrous oxide as necessary during the procedure. Unlike other sedatives, nitrous oxide does not make you drowsy or groggy. This is the only sedative that allows you to safely drive after the procedure is complete. Intravenous SedativeIntravenous sedative, also called IV sedative, is the least common type of sedative used. The administration is somewhat similar to nitrous oxide in that we can administer it throughout the procedure as we need to. However, rather than being inhaled through a mask, an IV sedative is injected directly into your veins. We usually inject in the hand, but there are many different injection sites available if we cannot find a strong vein in your hand. An IV sedative is a heavier sedative, and it acts quickly. You will most likely feel sleepy for the rest of the day.  General AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is the heaviest type of sedative that we have. This is used for invasive surgical procedures or patients with extreme anxiety over dental work. General anesthesia is a term that refers to the type of sedative, not the administration method. There are several different ways to administer general anesthesia, like an IV or a gas mask. This is similar to what we would use for nitrous oxide. General anesthesia causes patients to fall asleep entirely. You will feel very sleepy for the rest of your day. Sedative PrecautionsBefore you receive any type of sedative, we will give you specific instructions to follow in the last 12 to 24 hours leading up to the procedure. This is because certain foods, drinks, and medicines can react negatively with the sedative, making you very sick and compromising the procedure. Additionally, except for nitrous oxide sedatives, we require that you arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day after your procedure. Contact Placentia Oral Surgery at (657) 216-1617 now to learn more about our sedation options! |
