Is Sedation Safe?

Fear of the dentist may stand no chance against sedation. Thanks to modern sedation dentistry, those with even severe cases of dental anxiety or disabilities can access essential dental services that would have been otherwise difficult for them to get.

Of course, you can be sedated even if you’re not anxious or suffer from a disability. As a general rule, if you need to go through a lengthy procedure where it would be difficult to remain still for the entire time, your dentist may recommend sedation.

But the question on everyone’s mind is: is sedation safe?

Here’s the definitive answer:

Dental Sedation Is Perfectly Safe When Administered by Trained Professionals

It’s important to note that your dentist in Coronado will only recommend sedation when it is truly necessary. And when they do, they will first review your specific case in order to determine which type of sedation works best for you.

They will often assess:

• Your history with sedation (if any)
• Any allergies to medication
• Even your medical history

These factors will not only influence the type of sedation you’ll receive, but also the appropriate dosage for you.

After you receive the sedative, you will be continuously monitored by your dentist. So when properly chosen, administered in a controlled environment, and under supervision, sedation is perfectly safe.

What Types of Sedation Are Available?

When people think of being sedated, they often believe they will fall asleep during the procedure, and wake up at the end. However, this is not the case with all forms of sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide - Also known as laughing gas. This is one of the most common forms of dental sedation, and the safest of all of them, which is why it’s also perfectly safe to use on children. The effects wear off so quickly that you’ll even be able to drive your car after your appointment;

• Oral conscious sedation - These are special medications you will need to take shortly after the procedure. Once the effects kick in, people can become so relaxed they can end up falling asleep, though the medications themselves don’t do it;

• IV sedation - For lengthier procedures, IV sedation helps to offer a constant stream of sedatives to your system, to ensure you remain perfectly relaxed the entire time;