Sedation
Nitrous Oxide “laughing gas”
Nitrous Oxide otherwise known as “laughing gas” is a widely used sedative agent. You breathe the gas mixed with oxygen through a small mask that fits over your nose.
Nitrous Oxide is one of the options we offer our patients that can help make you more comfortable. It is not intended to put you to sleep, but it helps you relax. The benefits of Nitrous Oxide are many including that even though you are relaxed, you are able to hear and respond to any questions or directions the dentist may have. It is fairly quick to take effect and fairly quick to leave the body. The effects wear off soon after the nose mask is removed, which makes it the only form of sedation you can take and then drive yourself home afterwards.
Oral sedation
At Kings Dental we use Valium® as our oral sedation medication.
This medication belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, as well as several other conditions. Taken in small doses, they help to relieve anxiety associated with dental treatment and will put you at ease.
The medication can have “amnesic” properties, meaning that your memory of your time in the dental chair after the treatment is completed can be incomplete.
It is normal to feel tired for the remainder of the day after your treatment. If you choose to have oral sedation, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up after your appointment, as you will not be permitted to drive.
IV conscious sedation
This type of sedation induces an altered state of consciousness, also known as a “twilight” state, which is a fuzzy state of mind and a relaxed body. This form of sedation minimises pain and discomfort through the use of pain relievers and sedatives.
Patients who receive IV conscious sedation usually are able to speak and respond to verbal cues throughout the treatment, communicating any discomfort they experience to the dentist. While you are under the effects of the drugs, the dentist can perform your dental work, and you will remain comfortable. A brief period of amnesia is common and most patients will not have any memory of the treatment. After your treatment, you will need a responsible adult to take you home from the dental practice. The following day, the sedative will clear the body so that you can resume daily activities.
General anaesthetic
General anaesthetic is a method of sedation that many people who are highly dental-phobic are using more frequently. Many surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia because you are unconscious and therefore unable to feel pain or experience anxiety under its effects. Our dentists are accredited with day surgeries where we can perform your dental treatment.
