Feeling anxious and nervous while booking an appointment with a dentist is quite common. We all get worried hearing about dentists no matter how old we are. It’s all because of our previous painful experiences with dental treatments.
But not anymore. Say bye to all those anxieties while visiting a dentist. We are technically growing ahead. Now we have many advanced tools and procedures which takes less time and no pain at all. Yes, we are talking about sedation dentistry.
This is also called sleep dentistry. This is the use of medication to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Here patience stays awake throughout the process, but in a very relaxed state. The patient couldn’t feel any pain or stress during the process. Let’s dive into it and learn how it works
What are orthodontic Procedures
Firstly let's understand what these orthodontic procedures and treatments.
Orthodontic procedures consist of several dental treatments to improve the overall look of teeth. This includes correcting the bite, aligning the overlapped teeth, improving jaw functionality etc. These treatments are performed by a highly experienced orthodontist. It includes
Braces: The well-known orthodontic therapy is braces. These are a set of metal wires which stick to your teeth pushing them to be in the correct positions. Orthodontists can gradually shift teeth into their ideal locations by increasing the tension in the wires during periodic adjustments.
Invisalign: This is an alternative to conventional metal braces. These are transparent, removable aligners to correct teeth. These aligners are customisable according to the patient’s need. And the best part is that these are undetectable which means you can remove them whenever you want. This feature makes it a popular treatment option for people who prefer a more discrete treatment alternative.
Orthognathic surgery: It is used to improve jaw position and alignment. This surgical technique is used in many treatments.
Space Maintainers: These are used to minimize the gap between teeth.
Apart from these, there are several other cosmetic procedures like veneers and composite bonding. These are used in smile makeover procedures to provide a beautiful smile to clients. These orthodontic processes are done by several surgeries and tools. This makes the patient really stressed and nervous. To avoid this sedation dentistry is showing its magic.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry is used to assist patients in rest while having dental treatments performed. It helps the patient to stay calm and cool during the dental process. It has several levels of sedation dentistry, ranging from minimal to deep. The level depends on your procedure. The dentist will decide the level.
Minimal Sedation: Patients are conscious yet calm with minimal sedation.
Moderate Sedation: Patients with moderate sedation may slur their speech and may not recall much of the operation.
Deep Sedation: Patients are on the verge of consciousness but can yet be woken.
General Anesthesia: Patients are entirely asleep during general anaesthesia.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
This is super helpful to patients who have a fear of treatments. It has various advantages for both patients and dentists. Sedation can considerably improve your dental experience, whether you have dental anxiety or are facing a complicated operation.
Reduced Anxiety and Fear: It helps to decrease the pain and make the process super easy.
Increased Comfort and Relaxation: This ensures a comfortable and relaxed visit to the dentist. It is best for children and old age people.
Time Efficiencies: It makes patience calm so the treatment is over than usual timing. It saves both the patient and the dentist time and reduces the number of appointments required.
Reduced Post-Procedure Discomfort: As the body is fully relaxed there are fewer chances of a post-treatment visit. If it happens then it will go smoother and over in less time.
Child and Pediatric Dentistry: This is super useful in the case of children. It is particularly useful in pediatric dentistry, helping children who are too anxious to cooperate during dental procedures.
Role of Sedation Dentistry in Orthodontics
Sedation dentistry plays a great role in dental care. For any dental treatment, be it braces or aligning jaw; sedation is a must. It make the process easier and will give a pleasing experience to the patient. While adjusting the pre-installed braces, minimal sedation comes to work as it needs less amount of sedation.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
It has several options according to the patient’s needs and anxiety level.
Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous gas or commonly known as laughing gas. Usually, you need to inhale through a mask and the doses are detected by a dentist. It helps the patient to stay calm during the whole process. It is friendly got both children and old age people. After the treatment doctor will give you pure oxygen so the nitrous gas fluxes out from the body.
Oral conscious sedation: These are pill-form medicines which contain Valium or Halcion. The doctor will give you the pill before an hour of treatment. Dentists often use liquid sedation in children for ease of process.
IV moderate sedation: IV Moderate Sedation is inserted straight into a vein, which provides a rapid impact and allows the dentist to change the sedation dose as needed. Although the patient is conscious, they frequently recall little or nothing of the surgery. Because of the powerful effects of this sort of anaesthesia, a patient will require someone to drive them home.In this, the doctor have to check your body functions like blood pressure, heart rate etc.
Considerations of Sedation Dentistry for Orthodontic Patients
Sedation dentistry is no less than a wonder to the orthodontic industry. Most people don’t go for treatment out of fear and anxiety. For these people, sedation is the saviour of fear. It makes sure the treatment goes smoother and stress-free for the patient.
Misconceptions about Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an amazing discipline of dental treatment that has transformed the patient experience for countless people. However, sedation dentistry, like many medical treatments, is not without myths and misconceptions.
Here are some common misconception
1.
You’re Completely Unconscious
It's a big misconception in many people. You are not being completely unconscious during the process. The doctor will decide your dose as per your need. In fact, in most sedation, you stay awake throughout the treatment.
2.
It’s unsafe
This process is completely safe for everyone. This is mostly used in pediatric dental care treatment. So no questions about its safety.
3.
It’s only for People with Dental Phobias
It is for everyone who is having some orthodontics treatment. It is used to make patients relax and stay calm. Anyone can use this for a painless treatment.
4.
It’s expensive
Sedation dentistry costs vary according to the type of sedation utilised and the length of the treatment. Sedation may even be covered by certain dental insurance policies for specific treatments.
The Sedation Dentistry Process for Braces Adjustments
Sedation dentistry has become an invaluable tool in enhancing patient comfort during braces adjustments. Especially in braces treatment. Here are the steps
Pre-Appointment Assessment
A pre-sedation evaluation is performed on the patient before to the braces adjustment visit. The dental staff analyses the patient’s medical history, current medicines, and any allergies during this examination. To guarantee the safety and efficacy of sedation, it is critical to give precise information at this stage. They ask for patience consent for anything they are using, in this pre-session.
Monitoring Throughout the Procedure
During this doctor monitors your overall body function. Your heart rate, breathing speed, blood pressure everything is monitored. This constant analysis is for the patient's safety during the process.
Braces adjustments
Now the patient is calm and in a relaxed state. Doctors begin all the braces adjustment treatments. During the process, you stay awake but feel no pain or anxiety.
Post-Procedure Monitoring
After the treatment again doctor checks your body and gives some instructions to follow.
Choosing the Right Sedation Option
When it comes to body choosing the right thing could be a task and most important as well. Here are several factors to consider
Medical history — Your medical history plays a great role in your treatment. The doctor reviews your medical background then they will decide on your sedation.
Treatment complexity- The treatment complexity will define your sedation level
Anxiety level- Many people are naturally anxious. They need special attention during the treatment. Dictor will check and then decide on the sedation doses.
Age - Age is a major considered subject. Children and older age people need to be more careful while seeking sedation.
Conclusion
Sedation dentistry is vital in any orthodontic treatment. Be it alignment or a smile makeover people prefer a painless, calming treatment. Discomfort and suffering can give a bad experience to patients. Doctors are already switching to sedation sessions before the treatment.
It helps you to have a happy and relaxing appointment with your dentist. So those who are still feeling anxiety visiting a dentist, have no worries at all. It will be a great, relaxing session for you. Go and visit
Didsbury Smiles Dental. 