Sedation anesthesia is one of the safest anesthesia methods frequently used in dentistry. It is applied to prevent the patient from feeling any pain or suffering during dental treatments. It is also known as a controlled sleep procedure performed in the presence of an anesthesiologist. It facilitates the completion of the treatment process, especially for patients with severe dental phobia. It can also be applied to ensure that long-term treatments are completed in a single session.
Sedation is administered by a general anesthesiologist and the patient's vital functions are monitored during the treatment. After the treatment, the patient does not remember the sounds or pain during the procedure. Sedation is different from general anesthesia. Because of their characteristics and the way they are applied, they may be similar to general anesthesia and may be confused. However, in general anesthesia, a respiratory intubation system is required for the patient to breathe, while in sedation the patient can breathe on his/her own.
How is sedation performed?
Sedation procedures are basically two different types of procedures that are performed in the presence of a general anesthesiologist. These procedures are deep sedation and conscious sedation. Which of these procedures will be applied is determined by the specialist physician in the pre-treatment process.
In light sedation, the patient is conscious and can communicate with the physician throughout the treatment. However, when the effect of the sedation ends, the patient does not remember anything. In deep sedation, the patient is conscious and in deep sleep. During this procedure, the patient can breathe in and out on his/her own.
After the type of sedation is determined, the patient is given medication by opening an intravenous line. In some cases, in children, this can be done through a drip. After the patient falls asleep, the treatment is carried out. During the treatment, the patient's vital functions are monitored and controlled by the anesthesiologist. The patient does not feel any pain or ache after the treatment.
What are the Types of Sedation?
Sedation can be applied in two different ways. These are conscious sedation and unconscious (deep) sedation.
Conscious Sedation
During this procedure, the patient is conscious throughout the treatment. He/she can communicate with the doctor throughout the treatment and is aware of what is happening around him/her. Mild medication is given compared to deep sedation.
Although the patient is conscious, there is no pain or pain sensation. Only enough medication is given so that no pain is felt and consciousness is maintained. Patients can continue their daily life after treatment.
Unconscious (Deep) Sedation
The patient's consciousness is turned off and the patient is put to sleep. The dose of medication given in deep sedation is higher than in light sedation. Therefore, the patient falls into a deep sleep and does not feel any pain during the treatment. These procedures are especially applied in the treatment of people with dental phobia. It should be performed under the supervision of anesthesiologists.
In Which Situations Can Sedation Be Applied?
Sedation anesthesia can be applied to anyone without any allergic condition. This application, which is more comfortable and simple than anesthesia, can be applied to people who are afraid of dentists or needles, people who cannot be treated due to reflexes such as stomach problems, nausea or vomiting, or children.
In addition, sedation procedures can be applied in long-term treatments or treatments that need to be performed on more than one tooth. It can be applied to treat such situations in a single session.
How is Sedation Applied in Children?
Sedation in children is generally the same as sedation procedures applied to adults. However, the dosage of the drug to be administered is adjusted according to children. In addition, which type of sedation will be applied is determined by the dentist. Sedation method is preferred especially in treatments to be applied to more than one tooth or in long-term treatments.
Whensedation anesthesia in children is performed in the presence of specialists, it does not cause any danger to the health of the child and is a safe procedure. It is also important in terms of eliminating children's fear of dentists. These applications prevent any pain or pain and ensure that the treatment process is completed more comfortably.
Which Dental Treatments Can Be Performed with Sedation?
Many dental treatments and applications can be performed with sedation procedures. However, the method suitable for the patient should be determined by the specialist physician. Dental treatments that can be applied with sedation method are as follows:
- Tooth extraction
- Root canal treatment
- Filling procedures
- Implant treatments
- Surgical treatments
How long does sedation last?
The effect of sedation may vary depending on the duration of the treatment. The duration of sedation anesthesia is determined and adjusted by the anesthesiologist. It is possible to extend it if deemed necessary. In short-term treatments, the effect of sedation is also short. The effect of sedation anesthesia is adjusted depending on the duration of the treatment.