text: For some clients, sitting in the dental chair is just too difficult. In those instances, sedation dentistry might be the best option for dental treatment.
  Simply put, this type of dentistry uses medicine to help patients relax to allow the doctor to perform the procedures without the patient realizing.
  Different disabilities might benefit specifically from sedation dentistry. Those include cerebral palsy and autistism. Patients with cerebral palsy have uncontrolled movement of their limbs. This makes oral care very difficult. Sedation can help these patients relax and reduce the frequency of movement. Autistic patients may have behavioral difficulties while in the dental chair. Quick frustration and hyperactivity are hurdles that the office staff have to overcome. Sedation can help the patient relax.
  Control of gag-reflex
  There are 3 common types of sedation dentistry. Each is used in unique situations. While oral medication and nitrous oxide work for some patients, very often they are not the best method of sedation of individuals that have a hard time cooperating physically and behaviorally. The level of sedation is adequately maintained when using intravenous or general anesthesiology.
  This type of sedation uses nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It functions to kill pain and induce a pleasurable feeling to help you relax for dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It does not irritate and is completely safe to use.
  Reaches the brain within 20 seconds and starts working within 2-3 minutes
  Has no side effect on your heart or lungs
  Depth of sedation can be altered during the procedure
  NOT the deepest sedation
  More dental work can be completed by the end of your visit
  Oral sedation comes in the form of a pill. These are anti-anxiety pill that help relieve all anxiety leading up to the dental appointment.
  IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream. This procedure induces deep relaxation and partial or full memory loss. The medicine is injected directly into the vein and has a rapid onset. The dose can be tailored from patient to patient.
  Effects are very rapid
  Blood pressure is monitored during the procedure
  More medicine can be administered during the procedure
  Very deep sedation
  Operating Room Dentistry Might Be Best
  If the above options do not work, some dentists might opt to take your client to the operating room and essentially sedate the client using IV sedation so that they are able to do all the needed dental work in a fast and painless way. In the operating room, the room is equipped with the dentist, assistants and anesthesiologist. It is a safe option that allows the client to have all of the dental work needed without the patient getting worked up. The recovery time is fast.