Oral sedation is currently the most widely used non-titratable method for dental sedation. Oral sedatives diminish the central nervous system and lead to a psychomotor slowdown and a diminished perception of emotions and external stimuli. The aim of sedation dentistry is to achieve increased compliance, especially in anxious patients or in lengthy and/or complicated procedures.
The drugs used do not replace local anesthetics but are designed to help patients cope with their anxiety. Only a reputable Sedation Dentist in Indianapolis IN should implement this type of therapy. Oral sedation is easy to use and also painless; It, therefore, enjoys high acceptance among patients.
Benefits of oral sedation
The medicines themselves do not cause excessive issues, which means the dental staff does not have to implement any further resources during treatment. However, many dentists prefer intraoperative monitoring with a pulse oximeter. When used correctly, unexpected side effects are extremely rare.
However, the dentist should not only have an active knowledge of the sedatives used but also have some experience in dealing with oral preparations. Serious complications that primarily affect respiration during sedation must be documented. Nevertheless, a Sedation Dentist in Indianapolis IN should be aware that the optimal depth of sedation should be within normal ranges.
Disadvantages of oral sedation
The dosage of a given oral sedative is not an exact science, and the dentist needs special pharmacological knowledge of each drug and its profile. These drugs are not titratable, meaning that the depth of sedation cannot be adjusted as needed during treatment, and an inadvertent overdose is possible at any time. There is a latency period between ingestion and effect, and sedatives usually work beyond the duration of treatment – factors that must be considered in treatment planning.
Patients are not fit to drive after undergoing sedation and may not be discharged on their own recognizance. Allergic reactions to oral sedatives have been reported occasionally.
Choice of the drug
Oral sedatives have a large inter-individual range, which means that their intensity and duration cannot be reliably predicted. In this respect, the knowledge and experience of the dentist is the most important factor in deciding for or against a certain active substance. Click here for more information.
