When you go to your dentist and find out you're facing oral surgery, your first thought may be that you don't want to be awake for that procedure. It is a common reaction that generally leads to discussing sedation options with your dentist. The problem is, your dentist may assume that you know what each type is, what they mean, and what they entail. You may choose one and get a small brochure about what to expect after the surgery, but that may be it. So, before you go in and choose a sedation dentistry option, consider the following things you should know.
Levels of Sedation
There is a common misconception that all sedation methods knock you completely out, making you unaware during the dental surgery. The truth is, there are varying levels of sedation available, and not all will put you to sleep for the procedure. One of the most common forms of sedation dentistry is inhaled minimum sedation, otherwise known as nitrous oxide. This method is usually associated with full sedation by patients, when in fact, it only relaxes you. Other levels of sedation, like deep sedation or anesthesia are designed to put you completely under for the duration of the procedure.
Medical History is a Factor
One of the things you have to remember when you choose to go with a sedation dentistry method, is that your medical history will be a factor. This may seem like common knowledge, but there are some instances where you may think minor issues in your medical history would not be a factor and are. For example, it isn't just heart patients that can be denied sedation. You may be denied due to breathing issues or minor asthma or because of medications you are on. The factors that can lead to you being denied depend greatly on the type of sedation you are trying to obtain. Your dentist will go over this with you at the time of your consultation and give you suitable options based on your medical history.
Outsourced Sedation
A factor of sedation dentistry that may surprise you is that not all dentists are authorized to provide sedation. This means that they may have a third party outsourced to come in for sedation based surgery, or they may have someone on staff specifically for sedation. This does tend to take some people by surprise, so it may be something you want to consider asking your dentist prior to deciding on sedation as an option for your oral surgery.
These are just three of the things that you need to consider about sedation dentistry options. Remember to read through any materials your dentist gives you regarding the type of sedation you choose, as some do require you have a driver following the procedure or that certain medications may not be taken.
For additional information, contact a dentist in your area.
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