New technology and research has seen an increase in sedation methods for dentists. Sedation dentistry is the use of anaesthesia during treatment. Dentists in Glasgow city centre can use it to put patients in a relaxed state. Not necessarily unconscious like that may imply, but in most cases close to a sleep-like state. Sedation is often used during lengthy procedures; it is also ideal for patients who exhibit dental phobia or have difficulty controlling their movements.
Common Types of Sedation
Which type of sedation that is used will depend on the severity of the patients’ anxiety or phobia, or the extent of the procedure carried out.
Oral Sedatives
Medications such as diazepam are used for oral sedation. This can either be given to the patient to take the night before an appointment or given half an hour to an hour before the procedure to help curve their anxiety. Diazepam does not act as a pain reliever, so an injection of local anaesthetic may also need to be administrated
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Just like oral sedatives, IV sedation will not relieve pain. So an injection of local anaesthetic may also be required.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas, is inhaled by the patient to induce a state of relaxation. Local anaesthetic may also be administrated in conjunction with this.
General Anaesthetic
The use of general anaesthetic will make the patient unconscious. In this instance, local anaesthetic is not required as the patient is completely unaware of their surroundings.
Degrees of Dental Sedation
As well as different types of sedation, there are also varying degrees of sedation.
Anxiolysis
This is a very light sedation to make the patient relaxed. Nitrous oxide is more commonly used for this method, but there are several forms of sedatives that can achieve this.
Conscious Sedation
Consious sedation, also known as moderate sedation, commonly refers to the use of either nitrous oxide or IV sedation. This puts patients in an extreme state of relaxation, but they are still awake and still able to respond to commands.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation puts patients in a state between conscious and unconscious. Patients will not be able to respond to commands consistently and they may need assistance breathing if they are unable to keep their airway open.
Unconsciousness
This is achieved by general anaesthesia and is only administrated to patients undergoing oral surgery. General anaesthesia causes the airways to close to patients will need assistance with breathing and will be unable to respond to commands.
Candidates for Dental Sedation
You could get dental sedation if you exhibit any of the following;
- Dental anxiety
- Sensitive teeth
- Difficulty getting numb
- Complex dental issues
- Fear of needles
- Limited time to complete dental work
- Traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty controlling movement
Dentists in Glasgow City Centre
There is an abundance of dentists in Glasgow city centre, all provide an excellent service. But none as great as The Berkeley Clinic, enquire today to see what they could do for you.