Is Dental Sedation Dangerous?

Various Sedatives and Their Effects

Sedation dentistry in Austin, TX, is safe for patients of all ages. It is performed by dentists trained in administering various sedatives. They will monitor your vitals during the treatment to ensure your safety. However, you should be aware of the normal side effects of sedatives. Below are some sedation types and their impact.

1. Nitrous Oxide

It is a type of sedation administered as a gas through the nose. The sedative will help you relax but will not put you to sleep. It wears off quickly once you stop inhaling it and breathe in pure oxygen. After the treatment, you may experience fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating. However, the effects wear off fast.

2. Oral Sedation

This sedation type involves taking a pill or liquid sedative before the procedure begins. It is known as conscious sedation because you will be relaxed but awake. The effects of oral sedation include memory loss, drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth. You will continue experiencing the outcomes for hours after the treatment.

3. IV Sedation

It is administered through an IV line in the arm. You will be conscious but unaware of your surroundings. Also, you will only recall some of the details of the procedure. After the treatment, you can wait for the sedative to wear off or have your dentist reverse it with medication. Drowsiness, dry mouth, amnesia, tears, headache, and nausea or vomiting are its effects.

How Does Dental Sedation Affect Your Memory in the Short and Long Term?

Sedation dentistry is invaluable in dentistry. However, the medications calm you and make dental work easier affect your memory. Sedation-related amnesia is a positive side effect. The inability to remember experiencing dental procedures helps reduce dental phobia. If you do not reflect on the details that made you uncomfortable, you will not fear future treatments.

Despite the positive influence of dental sedation, some people are apprehensive about the effects on memory. Short-term memory loss is harder on middle-aged or older people than younger ones. Fortunately, besides leaving you with no recall of the treatment, sedatives do not affect your long-term memory. However, more studies are being done.

Why Should You Choose Sedation Dentistry?

Dental sedation has various benefits which help promote optimum oral health. You should choose sedation dentistry if:

• You fear going to the dentist

Most people become anxious when preparing for a trip to the dentist. The anxiety may cause them to skip regular exams and cleanings, which are essential. If you have such an issue, sedation will help you relax and overcome the fear of the dentist. Therefore, the dentist will perform the necessary treatments to help achieve and maintain a healthy mouth.

• You want to save time

Patients who require complex procedures may require multiple appointments. Visiting the dentist severally for a single operation may be inconvenient for you. In addition, it eats into your time and finances. Fortunately, the dentist in North Austin, TX, can save you several visits by administering dental sedation. The medication allows you to get treated in one sitting.

• You have a sensitive gag reflex

People with a high gag reflex have a hard time during dental work. The dentist’s hands or dental tools can easily trigger the reflex. This results in numerous interruptions or slow work by the dentist. Dental sedation relaxes you and helps prevent the reflex during treatment. It allows the dentist to work fast and efficiently.

• You have sensitive gums and teeth

Patients with teeth and gum hypersensitivity are uncomfortable during dental work. You should consider dental sedation if you have extreme sensitivity. The sedatives will ease the discomfort making the treatment bearable.

• You have difficulty sitting still

Consider sedation if issues prevent you from sitting still in the dentist’s chair. The dentist will administer a sedative to help you stop fidgeting during treatment.

Can you benefit from dental sedation but are afraid of the effects on your body or brain? Then contact our sedation dentistry experts at Peak Dental-North Austin. We have the experience and expertise to administer safe and effective sedation for all patients.