Dental Health Magazine Dental Health Digital Issue | Page 24

Issue #5, March 2017
DENTISTRY
SEDATION
24
The following types of
sedation are used in
dentistry:
Inhaled (minimal sedation). You breathe
nitrous oxide -- otherwise known
as “laughing gas” -- combined with
oxygen through a mask that’s placed
over your nose. The gas helps you relax.
Your dentist can control the amount of
sedation you receive, and the gas tends
to wear off quickly. This is the only form
of sedation where you may be able to
drive yourself home after the procedure.
usually can, though, be awakened with
a gentle shake. Examples of Drugs for
oral sedation:
■ ■ Diazepam - It has been around
since the 1960s and is a well
known and time-tested sedative
with amnesic properties. Valium is
particularly useful for appointments
where extensive dentistry is being
performed.
■ ■ Halcion is most well known for the
treatment of insomnia.
■ ■ Zaleplon is commonly used for the
treatment of insomnia.
Oral sedation. Depending on the total ■ ■ Lorazepam is commonly prescribed
dose given, oral sedation can range for the treatment of anxiety and
from minimal to moderate. For minimal has amnesic properties. It is an
sedation, you take a pill. The pill will effective sedative and is useful for
make you drowsy, although you’ll still appointments <2 hours.
be awake. A larger dose may be given
to produce moderate sedation. This is
the type of anesthesia most commonly
associated with sedation dentistry.
Some people become groggy enough
from moderate oral sedation to actually
■ ■ Hydroxyzine has anti-anxiety effects
with no amnesic properties.
■ ■ Midazolam is ideal for short
appointments or simple procedures.
fall asleep during the procedure. They
There is always risk anesthesia. It
is usually safe, though, when given by
experienced dentists.