Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

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Sleep dentistry involves the use of sedatives in calming a patient just
before a dental procedure is performed. The specialised branch of
dentistry provides for several benefits for both patient and dentist –
increased levels of relaxation, comfort and cooperation coupled with
lesser trauma on the patient’s part as well as easier, faster and more
effective administration of the planned procedure on the part of the
dentist, among others.
www.healthysmiles.com.au | 03 9877 2035|info@healthysmiles.com.au

Suffice to say, that the popularity of sedation dentistry Melbourne
clinics is on the rise. Take for example Healthy Smiles, who have been
offering sedation dentistry for some time now.

Dental sedation may still be an unknown
aspect of dental healthcare among many
Australians and we all know that the
unknown elicits fears, rightly or wrongly.
Let’s then discuss the safety aspects of
sleep dentistry so as to dispel most, if not
all, of the fears brought by inefficiency in
reliable information about the matter.

Sedation Levels

Practitioners of sedation dentistry Melbourne clinics such as Healthy
Smiles, currently apply three levels of sedation for their patients with
all levels considered safe when used appropriately.

The dentist will choose the most suitable type depending on the
patient’s age, physical condition, and personal preferences so as to
ensure the highest levels of comfort, safety and results.

It must be noted as well as the sleep dentistry is a science so exact
measurements are used to ensure maximum safety, too.

 Mild sedation is usually administered via an oral sedative like Haldol.
The pill will be given an hour before the scheduled procedure so that
the patient sits on the dental chair relaxed, drowsy yet still
conscious.

 Moderate sedation is typically achieved with the inhalation of
nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The patient is still conscious and, hence,
able to follow instructions although he will have little to no memory
of the actual procedure when the anaesthetic wears off.

 Deep sedation usually involves the intravenous injection of the
sedative into the patient’s bloodstream.

As any reliable practitioner of sleep dentistry will attest, not
everybody will agree with dental sedation, so to speak. Certain
individuals are at high risks of experiencing side effects including
complication while under sedation. Certain people may not also be able
to handle the sedation method used particularly intravenous injection
although they can handle the sedative itself.

Safe for Most Patients Except

There are individuals that sedation
dentists will have second thoughts about
administering sedatives as part of dental
procedures. These individual include:

 Temporary health conditions like flu. The sleep dentistry
practitioner will defer the procedure until after the patient becomes
healthier.

 Chronic conditions like respiratory illnesses (i.e., asthma). The risk of
obstructing the airways is uncharacteristically high, thus, the
deferment.

 Obesity. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to
experience air blockages as well and, thus, are strongly advised to
avoid dental sedation.

If you are a relatively healthy individual, then by all means seek out the
best sleep dentistry practitioner for your dental healthcare needs.

Safe for Children and the Elderly, Too,
But With Precautions

Both children and the elderly usually face
higher risks than adults when medical
and dental procedures are involved. In
most cases, being under sedation during
dental procedures is safe for both cohorts
but certain precautions will be made to
lessen the risks, said precautions of which
include:

 Testing for allergies
 Determining possible adverse interactions with current medications
being taken in relation to the sedatives being used
 Diagnosing for possible underlying medical conditions unsuitable for
dental sedation

The bottom line: Always discuss your options – the types of sedatives
as well as their pros and cons – before consenting to any sleep dentistry
procedure.

In general, fortunately, most people including children and the elderly
experience little to no side effects when under sedation and sedation
dentists have various techniques to significantly lessen the possible side
effects of the sedatives.

Of course, the importance of finding a reliable, reputable and
experienced practitioner of sleep dentistry in ensuring the safety of
patients under sedation cannot be overlooked. Get in touch with
Healthy Smiles today on 03 9877 2035.

For more information, click on
http://www.healthysmiles.com.au/blog/dental-care/is-sedation-
dentistry-safe/

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAYwww.healthysmiles.com.au | 03 9877 2035|info@healthysmiles.com.au
150 Canterbury Road
Blackburn South Vic 3130
Phone No - 03 9877 2035
Email - info@healthysmiles.com.au
Website - http://www.healthysmiles.com.au/
Healthy Smiles

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

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