Sedation Dentistry: Will I remember anything?

For many patients, dental fear or anxiety is caused by bad memories from previous negative experiences. Sedation dentistry not only puts the patient at ease during the appointment, but this approach also eliminates the possibility that the patient will develop more bad memories.

With sedation dentistry, the patient receives an anti-anxiety medication, typically from a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. This drug helps the patient reach a state of deep relaxation, while remaining conscious and able to respond to the periodontist’s commands.

Choosing a periodontist who offers sedation dentistry can make treatment for gum disease and tooth loss a much more comfortable experience.

To achieve the desired sedation in the shortest amount of time, the medication can be delivered intravenously. For patients who have qualms about needles, the drugs can be taken orally in pill form, but the patient must take them far enough in advance of the scheduled appointment time to get the needed effect.

Gaseous nitrous oxide can be inhaled and have similarly relaxing effects. Furthermore, the effects of nitrous oxide are rather easily reversed, which is why this gas is popular among patients and dental professionals.

Sedation dentistry is a safe, proven approach. Patients’ vital signs are carefully monitored for any signs of trouble during the appointment.

Even patients who don’t have dental fear or concerns about developing new bad memories may benefit from sedation dentistry. Under sedation, patients can tolerate longer appointments. This quality of sedation may allow the periodontist to complete a complex, time-consuming intervention in fewer sessions.

Patients who choose sedation before periodontal treatment typically will not be alert enough to drive themselves home after the appointment. Therefore, you should make arrangements to have a responsible adult escort you home after the visit.

Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome any dental fear and get the periodontal treatments that they need to restore their oral health. If you have been procrastinating on scheduling an appointment with the periodontist, discuss your options for sedation dentistry by contacting the office of Drs. Susan Karabin and Edward Gottesman. Call 212-756-8890 to schedule your consultation today.