Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly popular. For those who are unfamiliar with sedation dentistry, it is the practice of using medication (sedatives) to alter a patient’s degree of consciousness during a dental procedure.

While it may sound nice to be able to sleep through that root canal you’ve been dreading, many people wonder if sedation dentistry is safe. Understanding the process can help you decide if it’s a safe option for you.

How does it work?

A variety of methods are used that provide different levels of sedation. There are generally four main levels:

• Minimal sedation – the patient is fully awake but relaxed

• Moderate sedation – the patient is awake but sleepy and may not remember the procedure

• Deep sedation – the patient is nearly unconscious but can be awoken

• Anesthesia – the patient is fully unconscious (also known as “sleep dentistry”)

What are the risks?

The risks of sedation dentistry depend on the medications themselves, which means they vary for each person. If it’s safe for you to take the medication used, then sedation dentistry is safe for you.

Be sure to discuss your medical history with your dentist and let him or her know of any medications you are currently taking before your procedure. If you are obese, pregnant, or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you may be more susceptible to complications from anesthesia.

Safety Tips

The following tips can help you ensure that you have a safe and effective dental sedation experience:

• Discuss your medical history thoroughly with your dentist

• Verify that your dentist is trained in administering sedation

• Review the risks of the procedure carefully

• Understand which medications you will be given

Ridge View Dental is excited to offer a variety of safe sedation dentistry options to our patients to make their experience as smooth and worry-free as possible. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at (801) 334–9444 or stop by our office today!