Quick Guide: Types of Sedation for Oral Procedures

December 30, 2015

When you’re dental procedure requires sedation, your general dentist in Kennewick, WA will discuss your options with you. The best type of sedation for you will depend in large part on the procedure you’ll be receiving and your personal feelings towards anesthetics. For instance if you’re feeling apprehensive, your dentist may suggest full sedation even though a localized anesthetic would otherwise be sufficient. Here are the four major types of anesthetics.

1. Local Anesthesia

With local anesthetics, the patient is conscious for the duration of the procedure. The medication is typically administered with a needle to the procedure’s target area. This anesthetic is ideal for basic tooth extractions, minor soft tissue procedures and other simple surgical procedures. Additionally, it may be used in conjunction with other anesthetic methods.

2. Nitrous Oxide

Using a nasal breathing apparatus, a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered to the patient, who remains conscious and relaxed. Simple, yet more involved oral procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction or dental implant placement, frequently use this anesthetic method.

3. Intravenous Anesthesia

With intravenous anesthesia, the patient is entirely unaware of the oral procedure and will use a nasal breathing apparatus for supplemental oxygen. The medical staff will closely monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure. Many patients opt for intravenous anesthesia during dental implant placements and wisdom tooth removal, as they prefer to remain unaware of the procedure as it occurs.

4. General Anesthesia

Extensive and invasive procedures, such as jaw reconstruction, frequently involve the use of general anesthesia, which must be administered through an anesthesiologist. Certain medical conditions will also necessitate the need for general anesthesia.

If you want to learn more about the various types of sedation options for oral procedures, reach out to your local general dentist in Kennewick, WA at 509.735.7210. Dr. Andrew Mohlman and his team of professional will be happy to answer your questions.

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