At West Coast Oral Surgery, we offer various sedation options, as well as general anesthesia. Dental sedation allows patients to be calm or in a sleep-like state, while still maintaining varying levels of awareness and responsiveness. Our sedation options range from mild to moderate and can be delivered through a pill, inhalation, or IV. In addition to dental sedation we also offer general anesthesia, which allows for complete unconsciousness with no awareness of what is happening. Depending on the type of procedure you are having, you and your doctor will discuss what type of sedation or anesthesia is right for you.
Did You Know?
Sedation and anesthesia are different. In fact sedation is one component of anesthesia, however anesthesia also has additional elements such as complete unconsciousness, amnesia, possible temporary paralysis, and an analgesic ( no pain) feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental sedation or general anesthesia?
You may be a candidate for dental sedation or anesthesia if you:
- Need an invasive or long procedure
- Have dental anxiety
- Are having multiple procedures done at once
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
Furthermore, to be a candidate for dental sedation or anesthesia, you will need to be in good overall health. Your oral surgeon will discuss your medical history and may order certain tests to ensure that dental sedation or anesthesia is right for you. Generally speaking, dental sedation and anesthesia are not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with allergies to benzodiazepines, people with sleep apnea, or those who are taking certain medications. To determine if you are eligible for dental sedation or anesthesia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehdi Matin of West Coast Oral Surgery today!
What can I expect when under dental sedation at West Coast Oral Surgery?
When under the effects of dental sedation or anesthesia, your expectations will depend upon the level and type of sedation you have received. At a glance, here are some different types of sedation and what to expect:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is an inhaled form of mild sedation that yields feelings of deep relaxation and euphoria within minutes of inhaling the gas. With nitrous oxide you will be aware and responsive to what is happening around you, however you will not be bothered or anxious about anything.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation can be used to achieve a mild or moderate level of sedation, depending on the dose provided. With oral sedation, a prescription sleeping pill is taken the morning of your appointment (and sometimes the night before). Within about an hour, the medication will take effect and make you feel sleepy. Although you may fall into a light sleep, you will still be able to be woken up and will be somewhat responsive.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is used to achieve a moderate or deep level of sedation. With IV sedation, sedatives are delivered through an intravenous catheter inserted directly into the bloodstream. IV sedation is generally used to put individuals in a light or deep sleep. With deep sedation, you may only be responsive to painful or repeated stimuli and may need breathing assistance.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation and it renders individuals completely unconscious and unresponsive. It also requires the careful monitoring and possible support of the heart and respiratory system.
What can I expect after undergoing dental sedation?
Your expectations after dental sedation will also depend on the type and level of sedation you received. At a glance, here is what you should expect:
Nitrous Oxide
The effects of the gas will begin to wear off as soon as you stop inhaling the gas. Nitrous oxide generally has no long term effects and many people are able to safely drive themselves home afterwards.
Oral Sedation
Both mild and moderate oral sedation will leave you feeling somewhat tired for a period of time after the procedure. Those who used moderate sedation will feel stronger effects and will take longer to return to normal. Since oral sedation can have lasting effects, a driver will be needed to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
Like oral sedation, IV sedation will leave you feeling tired after your procedure. The deeper the level of sedation used, the more tired you will feel and the longer the effects will last. This means that a driver is also needed for individuals receiving IV sedation.
General Anesthesia
After being sedated with general anesthesia, you will need to be monitored for about an hour or two after your procedure while you come out of anesthesia. Even after you are released, you can expect to feel groggy and tired for the remainder of the day. You should also have someone drive you and closely monitor you in the first 24 hours.
