Stress Free Dentistry
If you are afraid of dental surgery, you are not alone. it’s normal and the answer is simple.
Dental Sedation
Dental Sedation is defined as a reduced state of consciousness. It is always performed in the presence of an anesthesiologist in the clinic and is in the form of either intravenous or that given in the form of a gas with a mask. Their main results are the elimination of dental stress.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation is the most effective way to stay calm during treatment. This is not general anesthesia, it is performed in the dental clinic and is suitable for appointments of long duration, especially in adults with severe fear of hyperactivity or vomiting reflex. Dental sedation does not control pain or intolerance, so local anesthesia is not avoided. The main advantages are partial analgesia and partial amnesia.
Nitrogen peroxide – Sedation for children
N2O, or laughing gas in general, has been the most common and safe method of relaxation for 160 years. It is the lightest form of sedation and reduces stress and pain levels. The young patient stays awake is conscious, breathes normally, maintains reflexes and responds to natural stimuli or explicit commands. It is the method of choice today in dental practices for visits of long duration and anxious patients usually young or just for routine visits.
How does it work
N2O is a colorless, non-flammable and sweet-tasting gas. It has combined sedative and anxiolytic properties. The diffusion is very fast and its action begins in the first 2-3 minutes after administration. It also increases the patient’s tolerance to pain by creating a sense of taxation. That’s why it was described as the euphoria laughing gas. It was discovered in 1772 by Joseph Priestley who is also known for discovering oxygen. The first use in dentistry was later in 1844 and was used for tooth extraction. The administration is given through a nasal mask that carries oxygen and nitrous oxide at the same time throughout the session. Oxygen never falls below 30% so as not to cause hypoxia, while the administration of nitrous oxide ranges from 30-70%. The main advantages are the rapid control of stress without the need for special preparation, the complete control of the depth of sedation and the rapid recovery after it.
The patient is awake during the administration and has a sense of a sweet smell, while the effect is immediate within the first 5 minutes. When the procedure is over, it continues to administer pure oxygen for the next 5 minutes so that the sedative drug is eliminated from the body.
Is it safe?
Conscious relaxation always takes place in the presence of an anesthesiologist and in a properly equipped clinical environment. The general state of health of the patient is evaluated as a whole with specific blood tests, cardiological evaluation and a complete medical – dental history. The anesthesiologist closely monitors the patient throughout the operation and is ready to intervene if necessary.
Main contraindications are acknowledged in very young people, allergy to any of the anesthetics used, recent emphysema, heart attack or stroke, the first trimester of pregnancy, general respiratory, heart failure or kidney failure and generally very burdened patients (ADA III/IV).
How do I feel afterwards
The patient may have a slight sensation of numbness, tickling, difficulty walking or muscle weakness. Burning sensation or irritability, fatigue, nausea, headache may be reported. Sometimes there is a tendency for vomiting, which is significantly avoided by reducing the rate of administration. The hypoxia rate is minimal. Nitric oxide usually has few or no side effects and has no hangover effect.