Sedation for Oral Surgery

Going through oral surgery is, understandably, a stressful experience for most. Fortunately, however, in today’s day and age, there are several safe and effective methods available to help ease any discomfort you may feel going into a dental procedure. Here at Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island, we have extensive experience providing patients sedation for oral surgery. Read on to learn more about what IV sedation is, whether you will be awake during treatment, how you should prepare beforehand, and what recovery is generally like afterward.

What Types Of Sedation Are Used for Oral Surgery?

There are several different forms of sedation that may be used during oral surgery procedures, though the type of sedation used will generally depend on several factors, including the procedure itself, the patient’s medical history, the patient’s comfort level, and whether the patient experiences dental anxiety. In many cases, oral surgeons and dentists use IV sedation because it allows patients to remain deeply relaxed throughout treatment while still being carefully monitored at all times. Some of the most common types of sedation used during oral surgery are as follows:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific area of the mouth so that patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Even when another form of sedation is used, local anesthesia is generally still administered as well to ensure maximum comfort throughout surgery.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, which many people know as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. This type of sedation is often used for patients with mild dental anxiety because it can help patients feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment. One of the primary benefits of nitrous oxide is that its effects tend to wear off fairly quickly once the procedure is complete.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation generally involves taking medication prior to the procedure itself. Depending on the medication prescribed and the dosage administered, patients may feel drowsy, calm, and deeply relaxed during treatment, though they are usually still awake and responsive.

IV Sedation

IV sedation, which is commonly used during oral surgery procedures, is administered intravenously, meaning directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Because the medication enters the bloodstream immediately, the effects of IV sedation are often felt relatively quickly. Additionally, the level of sedation may be adjusted throughout the procedure depending on the patient’s needs.

Patients who receive IV sedation frequently report that:

• They felt extremely relaxed throughout treatment
• The procedure seemed to go by very quickly
• They remembered little or nothing about the procedure afterward
• Their anxiety was dramatically reduced
• They experienced very little discomfort during surgery

IV sedation is commonly used for procedures such as:

• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Dental implant placement
• Multiple tooth extractions
• Bone grafting procedures
• Full mouth reconstruction procedures
• Lengthy oral surgery treatments

Additionally, IV sedation is often recommended for patients who:

• Experience severe dental anxiety
• Have difficulty sitting still for long procedures
• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past

Will I Be Awake During Sedation Dentistry?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask before receiving IV sedation for oral surgery, and understandably so. Many people hear the word “sedation” and automatically assume they will be completely unconscious during the procedure. However, this is not always the case.

Generally speaking, IV sedation is considered a form of conscious sedation. This means that while patients are placed into a very relaxed and drowsy state, they are often still technically awake and capable of responding to instructions if necessary. That being said, many patients remember very little of the procedure afterward because of how deeply relaxed they become during treatment. During IV sedation, patients often experience:

• A strong sense of calmness
• Deep physical relaxation
• Drowsiness
• Reduced awareness of their surroundings
• Little memory of the procedure afterward

In many cases, patients say the experience feels as though they simply fell asleep for a short period of time and woke up once treatment was complete. Because of this, IV sedation is often extremely helpful for patients who have avoided oral surgery due to fear or anxiety.

It is also important to understand that patients receiving IV sedation are carefully monitored throughout the entire procedure. Vital signs, including oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, are continuously observed to help ensure patient safety at all times.

Before administering IV sedation, the dental team will generally review several important factors, including:

• The patient’s medical history
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Existing health conditions
• Previous reactions to anesthesia or sedation

How Should I Prepare Before Receiving Sedation for Oral Surgery?

Preparing properly before receiving IV sedation is extremely important, as following all instructions beforehand can help the procedure go more smoothly and reduce the risk of complications. Though preparation instructions may vary somewhat depending on the patient and the type of oral surgery being performed, there are several recommendations patients are commonly given prior to treatment.

In many cases, patients are instructed to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. This is important because sedation medications can sometimes cause nausea if food is present in the stomach.

Patients should also arrange transportation ahead of time. Since IV sedation can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time for several hours afterward, patients should not drive themselves home following oral surgery. Instead, a trusted family member or friend should accompany the patient to the appointment and drive them home afterward. Additionally, we often encourage patients to:

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
• Wear short sleeves if possible for easier IV placement
• Inform the dental office of all medications and supplements they are taking
• Follow all medication instructions provided before surgery
• Ask questions beforehand if they are uncertain about any instructions

How long does sedation last after oral surgery?

The effects of sedation vary from patient to patient and will depend on several different factors, including the type of sedative used, the dosage administered, the length of the procedure, and the patient’s metabolism. Some patients begin feeling more alert relatively quickly, while others may continue feeling groggy for much of the day. After IV sedation, patients commonly experience symptoms such as:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Slower reaction times
• Mild grogginess
• Temporary memory loss regarding the procedure

For many patients, the strongest effects of IV sedation begin wearing off within a few hours, though mild drowsiness may continue throughout the remainder of the day. Because of this, patients are generally advised to avoid:

• Driving
• Drinking alcohol
• Operating machinery
• Returning to work immediately
• Making major decisions for the rest of the day

Most patients feel significantly more normal by the following day, though recovery times may vary slightly from person to person.

Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island

If you have any questions about sedation for oral surgery or you would like to speak with our experienced dental team about your circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island today. We are here to help ensure your dental care is as painless and as comfortable as possible.