Sedation
Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed and calm state through the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide, etc.) can be administered in a variety of ways. In the past, intravenous sedation (sedatives delivered via intravenous injection to the hand or arm) was predominantly used to produce a sedated state for dental treatment. Today, patients have alternatives such as inhalation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) and intravenous sedation that offers a "no needle,” “no IV injection" approach.
Sedation dentistry has been termed “sleep dentistry,” although this description is actually misleading. In actual fact, you do not sleep during the procedure, although the effects produced by the sedative may make you feel sleepy. Sedation dentistry enables you to be kept awake throughout the entire procedure for the purposes of safety and cooperation. You will feel comfortable, relaxed and likely won’t remember much about your treatment.
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments. If you are reluctant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and allow you pursue a beautiful smile.