It’s no secret that oral surgeons often utilize sedation dentistry to help their patients stay calm and comfortable during complex procedures. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this service, which can make it harder for patients to make truly informed decisions surrounding their care. Below are 4 common myths about sedation dentistry as well as the truth behind them.
Myth 1: There is Only One Type of Sedation Dentistry
Some people believe that there’s only one kind of sedation dentistry. In reality, there are multiple sedation options that your oral surgeon might offer, such as:
- Nitrous oxide sedation, which involves breathing in nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a nasal mask.
- Oral conscious sedation, which uses a sedative that comes in the form of a pill.
- IV sedation, which is when the sedative is delivered directly into the bloodstream via a vein on the arm or hand.
The type of sedation that your oral surgeon recommends in your case largely depends on your unique needs.
Myth 2: Sedation Dentistry Puts You to Sleep
Despite what you might think, being sedated at the oral surgeon’s office doesn’t necessarily mean being put to sleep. Nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation all put you in a state where you are still awake but more deeply relaxed than normal. You might be drowsy enough to drift off on your own, but if that happens, your oral surgeon will be able to wake you up easily.
Myth 3: Sedation Dentistry is Unsafe
While not everyone is a candidate for sedation dentistry, it is important to understand that it is safe for the majority of patients. If you’re in good health overall, it’s likely that you can have sedation administered without having to worry about complications. Your oral surgeon will thoroughly review your medical history as well as the current state of your health in order to determine whether sedation dentistry is right for you.
Myth 4: Sedation Dentistry Can Make You Tell Secrets
You may have heard that sedation dentistry can act as a truth serum and cause you to spill embarrassing secrets. Fortunately, this is not the case. While you’re under the effects of sedation, you’ll retain enough awareness and self-control to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions or answer their questions. As such, it’s unlikely that you’ll end up saying anything that you normally wouldn’t.
Is there anything else you want to know about sedation dentistry? Don’t be afraid to ask your oral surgeon; they’ll be happy to answer your questions so that you can move forward with your treatment while feeling as informed as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew studied dentistry at New York University. He has completed dental implant training at Rutgers University, and he logs nearly 300 hours of continuing education every year. At Staten Island Oral Surgery Center, he makes the comfort of his patients a priority, which is why he has an anesthesiologist as part of his team. If you need the services of an oral surgeon who offers different forms of sedation dentistry, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Gizachew by visiting his website or calling (718) 568-0405.