In our offices, the preferred technique for Conscious Sedation is Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation; however, we also offer Oral Sedation.
Conscious Sedation is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command, that is produced by pharmacological or nonpharmacologic method or combination thereof.
Sedation Dentistry refers to the way dentists manage pain and anxiety during dental appointments. Unlike General Anesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious, “asleep”, and unable to respond, patients under Conscious Sedation, are able to respond to commands and breathe on their own.
The medications used for I.V. Sedation and Oral Sedation in dentistry are from a group of drugs known as Benzodiazapines. Not only do these medications have a sedative effect, they also have some degree of amnesic effect for most people. Patients remember little or nothing about their dental appointment. With I.V. Sedation, we may use an additional class of drugs known as Narcotics for pain control, which also may have a sedative effect. Narcotics are not typically used with Oral Sedation. Additionally, during a surgical procedure, we may administer an I.V. Corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory drug) rather than have our patients purchase a prescription anti-inflammatory drug they must take for several days following the procedure.
Advantages of Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation:
We have the ability to change the level of sedation during a procedure
Medication for an analgesic effect (pain relief) may be utilized
Anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) may be administered for various procedures
Easy to administer
It is safe and easy to monitor
Works well for most people
Low Cost
Oral Sedation:
The level of Sedation is not easily changed
There is no analgesic effect (pain relief)
Easy to administer
It is safe and easy to monitor
Low Cost
I.V. Sedation is only available at our Charlotte location. Click here to visit our Charlotte site.
What medications are used for Dental I.V. Sedation?
The most common medications are Versed (Midazolam) and Fentanyl. Versed provides a deep level of relaxation and an amnesic effect, while Fentanyl offers pain relief and may have a sedative effect as well.
What medications are used for Dental Oral Sedation?
The most common medication is Halcion (triazolam). Halcion provides a deep level of relaxation and amnesia effect.