Conscious sedation is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command.  This is produced by pharmacological or non-pharmacologic methods or a combination thereof.

Sedation dentistry therefore refers to the way dentists manage pain and anxiety during dental appointments.

Unlike General Anaesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious and unable to respond, patients under Conscious Sedation are able to respond to commands and breathe on their own. (Sedation therefore lacks the negative effects of General Anaesthesia.)

There are three primary ways that sedation drugs can be administered:

■  IV Sedation
■  Oral administration
■  Inhalation Conscious Sedation
 

In our surgery the preferred manor of administration is IV Sedation.  This is administered by a qualified anaesthesiologist.  The medications are administered directly into the blood stream.  The greatest advantage of IV Sedation is that if someone is not sedated enough, the doctor can administer more medication and the effects are instantaneous.  The drugs used for IV Sedation are more effective than the same drugs taken orally.  There is more profound amnesia associated with this technique.

Oral Sedation is administered by taking a pill.  All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own.  The patient will often fall asleep.  Some degree of amnesia is common.

Inhalation Sedation is the method by which Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” is administered.  All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own.  The patient will sometimes fall asleep and may experience some degree of amnesia.

For this and more detailed information on Conscious Sedation please refer to: www.qualitydentistry.com