How Long Does Sedation Dentistry Last?
Does the idea of a trip to the dentist make you anxious? If it does, then you are not alone. A large number of people have a fear of dentistry procedures. However, it is possible to relax while on the dentist’s chair with the help of sedation dentistry in Etobicoke, ON.
Sedation or sleep dentistry is a treatment option for patients undergoing dental processes. It is administered to help people with anxiety during dental procedures relax. The sedatives also benefit the patient and dentist during lengthy dental procedures. Continue reading to learn how long sedation dentistry lasts.
Types of Sedation Dentistry and Their Longevity
A dentist may use various forms of sedation to help you relax during treatment. Some known as conscious sedation dentistry help you relax while you remain. Others, like general anesthesia, render you unconscious while the dentist operates.
Sedatives are used according to the duration of treatment, procedure, and individual needs. Each type takes a different period for the effects to cease after the treatment. Some common forms of dental sedation are:
- Nitrous Oxide
This type of dental sedation is delivered through the nose using a mask that covers your mouth and nose. When you inhale the gas, it enters the bloodstream causing you to feel calm and upbeat. The dentist keeps administering the gas during different stages of treatment.
It takes a few minutes for the patient to feel the effects of nitrous oxide. They last until the dental experts stop the gas flow. Once the administration of Nitrous Oxide stops, the patient recovers after several minutes. Therefore, its effects last the shortest compared to the other methods. You will return to your normal state and even drive home without difficulties.
- Oral Sedation
The dentist may also administer sedation in the form of pills. They are taken several hours before the procedure. You may take the medication the night prior to your treatment. It will make you drowsy, enabling the dentist to operate smoothly. In addition, it helps suppress a gag reflex, suppress pain responses, and ease anxiety.
This method of dental sedation lasts for a long time after the procedure. You may continue experiencing the effects for 2 to 8 hours afterward. Therefore, you will need someone to help you once you’re out of the dental office. In addition, you will need help because some oral sedation causes an amnesic effect. as a result, you will not remember everything once it wears off completely.
- IV Sedation
A dentist offering this option must be trained and certified to administer it. This sleep dentistry option works fast since it is administered directly into the patient’s blood. First, they prepare the medicine and inject it into a vein in the patient’s arm. Patients usually fall asleep 15-30 minutes after the IV line is connected to the vein.
When the line is removed after the procedure, you will wake up in approximately 20 minutes. However, you will be disoriented for a while and need transportation back home. The effects of the sedative completely wear off within 12 hours.
- General anesthesia
Dentists near you use this sedation dentistry method for lengthy, complicated procedures. Once administered, general anesthesia causes the patient to lose consciousness completely. The oral surgery team monitors the patient’s vitals throughout the course.
It takes about 45 minutes to regain consciousness when general anesthesia is used. However, it may take longer depending on additional medications administered. The full effects wear off in 12 to 24 hours after administration of the sedative.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Dental Sedation
Although there is an expected recovery timeline after sedation dentistry, patients react differently. Some take longer to shake off the effects of the sedatives, while others recover fast. Fortunately, patients resume their normal activities within 24 hours after sedation dentistry.
Factors that affect the duration of the effects are age and health. Younger patients recover faster compared to older ones. This is because their bodies metabolize the medications more efficiently. Additionally, the results of the drugs last longer for patients in poor health.
Contact us at Regency Dental Centre for stress-free treatment using sedation dentistry. Our team will recommend the right type of sedative and advice you on how fast the effects wear off. Therefore, you know how to plan for recovery and the necessary time off.