Sedation dentistry is a method used by dentists and oral surgeons to relax a patient in order to perform a dental procedure.  Sedation can be administered through a pill, laughing gas or intravenously (through an IV).  The different methods have different effects, are used in different circumstances, and range in price, with IVs being the most expensive and the most sedative.

There are many reasons you might want to choose sedation dentistry.  The most common reason this is used is because patients experience fear and anxiety on the dental chair.  In fact, many people even avoid going to the dentist altogether because of their fear.  Some of these have never been and some have had horrible experiences as a child or adult.  Fear can be very difficult to overcome.  In order for many of these people to get their dental needs treated, they have to use sedation.

Another reason you may need to use sedation in dentistry is because your dental needs are very extensive.  You may have no fear of the dentist or dental procedures, but your treatment under normal circumstances may require many appointments to complete.  There are some treatments that may even require months or years to complete the whole process.  In these situations sedation can allow the dentist or oral surgeon to complete the required treatment usually in only one visit.  Additionally, many people find themselves very busy with work and family obligations and it can be difficult to arrange multiple appointments.  This is another case in which you may choose sedation. 

As stated previously, there are different types of sedation.  Usually when people think of sedation they think of general anesthesia.  This type of sedation is called general because the entire body is put to sleep.  This requires that you be hooked up to a machine to help you breath.  Intravenous sedation or IV sedation requires that you receive the sedative through an IV, usually in your arm.  This method is often used in out-patient procedures performed in the office of oral surgeons.  IV sedation works well for short appointments.  The other sedation method is oral.  This method requires that you take a pill that will put you in a relaxed, restful, and amnesic state.   This method is considered very safe because you need no assistance breathing, your reflexes are still intact, and it is very difficult to overdose on the medication.

Sedation is a great option because you will remember little or nothing of your dental appointment and what occurred during your dental procedure.  This is very appealing for those that have difficulty with fear and anxiety.  The pill option is especially preferable in these situations because they forego having to consciously receive needles as well.  I say consciously because since your reflexes will still function normally under this type of sedation, local anesthesia is also required, but because of its amnesic effect, you won't remember a bit of it.

If you choose sedation, you will want to keep in mind that you will not be in any position to transport yourself home.  You will no longer be unconscious, but you will not be allowed to drive yourself home because you will most likely still be drowsy and disoriented.  Make sure that you arrange to have somebody transport you.

In most cases, patients who have been sedated will not experience discomfort the next day, aside for the pain that may be associated from whatever procedure they went through.  You can expect to feel drowsy and maybe a little nauseous, but these side effects can be due to the fact that you have not eaten for hours (you will probably receive instructions to not eat for several hours before going under sedation).  Once you have eaten and gotten a little rest, you should feel fine and be able to go about your normal activities by the next day.
  
In summary, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way of relieving the fear and anxiety associated with going to the dentist.  It allows you to relax and have little or no memory of your dental appointments.

Sedation dentistry is a great option for many reasons.  If you have extensive dental work that needs to be done, if you have no time to spend making numerous appointments in order to complete a treatment, or if you are just afraid of climbing up into that dental chair and exposing your oral cavity to a stranger and his/her tools. 

No matter how kind, sensitive and understanding a dentist may be, some people are so apprehensive and fearful that it is nearly impossible for a dental team to complete a treatment.  This is especially true when it comes to children because they are not easily calmed through reason.

For this reason, sedation dentistry is a great option for children.  You will typically want to consult with the child's medical doctor before choosing sedation to make sure that they consider your child's medical history, allergies, or other needs and concerns to decide which method of sedation is best. 

Sedation methods can be administered by mouth, intravenously (IV), nitrous oxide (relaxing air), or intramuscular (IM).   Oftentimes a combination of these methods is used.  A little introduction of each of these methods is as follows:
    Intravenous sedation or IV sedation requires that you receive the sedative through an IV, usually in your arm.  This method is often used in out-patient procedures performed in the office of oral surgeons.  IV sedation works well for short appointments or for phobic or fearful patients who want to be totally relaxed and have little memory of their appointment.  IM or intramuscular sedation is also recommended in these cases.  In many cases, by the time your I.V. is started you are already extremely comfortable and relaxed because you have already taken an oral sedative pill (discussed below) prior to your appointment.  You may also be on nitrous oxide air so that starting the I.V. will not bother you at all.  The I.V. provides your fluids during your sedation appointment and provides the necessary medications to keep you very relaxed during your appointment.
    Certain sedation medications can be given I.M. (intra-muscular) in an arm or leg muscle. Doctors typically use only enough sedation medication to keep you safely comfortable throughout your appointment.
    Oral sedation is another method often used in dental offices.  This method requires that you take a pill that will put you in a relaxed, restful, and amnesic state.   This method is considered very safe because you need no assistance breathing, your reflexes are still intact, and it is very difficult to overdose on the medication.  A popular oral medication is called Halcion which relaxes you, causes drowsiness, and has effects to help you get a great nights sleep the night before your dental appointment.  This sedative is placed under your tongue and dissolves, taken up immediately by your bloodstream. Its action starts much sooner and more effectively versus taking the pill by swallowing it.  If swallowed, it must pass through your stomach where it is diluted and taken up much more slowly.
    Nitrous oxide is a gas that helps you achieve a relaxed state where you are less apprehensive, stress-free, and are able to complete your needed care. Many patients who are apprehensive or fearful can complete their dental care comfortably with the help of nitrous oxide.

Normally during a dental sedation procedure you will be under "conscious sedation".  This means that you will not be totally unconscious but rather, you will be extremely relaxed and able to communicate and follow directions.  The bonus for you as a patient is that you will remember little, if anything at all about the procedure.  You will be monitored using a medical device to keep track of your blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.  Additionally, your blood oxygen will usually be monitored.  However, all your reflexes will still function normally so you will have no trouble breathing on your own.

In summary, using sedation for children can be a great option to ease fears and prevent too much apprehension when it comes to getting dental procedures done.  There are several sedative options to choose from.  Make sure to consult your child's dentist and medical doctor to be sure which one is right for your child.