A sleeping patient getting IV sedation at dental office

Conscious Sedation

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“Conscious Sedation” is a drug-induced state of reduced awareness, allowing for decreased anxiety and greater patient comfort. Dental sedation comes in various forms, each serving different levels of relaxation.

The choice of sedation depends on various factors, including the patient’s health, the complexity of the dental procedure, and the level of anxiety or fear experienced by the individual. Dr. Specht will work closely with patients to determine the most suitable sedation option for their specific needs.

Patients wishing to be unconscious or “put asleep” during dental treatment must be referred to a specialist. In Alberta, general anesthesia can only be provided in specific surgical facilities.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas”, this is a mildest form of sedation, administered through a mask over the nose.

It induces a relaxed and euphoric state but the patient remains aware and responsive.

It does not affect the patient’s memory of the procedure.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves swallowing pills prior to the procedure.

These take ONE hour to work and have limits on how sedated you become. The sedation ranges from mild to moderate, causing drowsiness but allowing the patient to stay awake.

Patients may have partial or complete amenesia of the procedure.

While effective, oral sedation does not sedate as deeply as conscious IV sedation.

Intravenous Sedation

This is the strongest type of sedation allowed in general dental clinics in Alberta.

Administered through a vein, IV medications sedate the patient within minutes, allowing the amount of medication to be fine-tuned to the specific needs of the patient.

This fine-tuning improves the safety of sedation and provides a deeper level of moderate sedation.

Patients may not remember much of the procedure and might be on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.

Key Benefits of Oral & IV Sedation

Anxiety Reduction

Many individuals experience fear or anxiety when it comes to dental procedures. Sedation helps alleviate these, making the dental experience more comfortable.

Pain Management

Sedation can be used in conjunction with local anesthesia to manage pain effectively. It allows the patient to remain relaxed and less aware during the dental procedure.

Memory Blockage

Some forms of sedation can induce partial or complete memory loss (amnesia) of the dental procedure. This can be beneficial for patients who wish to avoid remembering details of the treatment.

Time Efficiency

Sedation allows dentists to perform more extensive procedures in a single appointment. Patients under sedation are often more cooperative, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity in the dental office.

Increased Cooperation

For patients who may have difficulty sitting still for an extended period or those with a strong gag reflex, sedation can enhance cooperation and make the procedure smoother for the patient.

Stress Management

As sedation relaxes patients, it reduces the patient’s blood pressure as well. Thereby sedation provides a safety advantage to those receiving dental care with heart and/or stroke concerns.

Why Choose Conscious Sedation?

It is perfectly normal to have some degree of anxiety prior to receiving dental treatment. Some people have even stronger feelings. These feelings may have been produced by a less than pleasant experience, stories told by family or friends, or by the nature of the dental procedure itself.

Whatever the cause, anxiety can produce many unpleasant effects including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, upset stomach and trouble sleeping. Conscious Sedation can make dental procedures safer and more pleasant.

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How Am I Monitored During the Procedure?

Depending on the type of sedation and the patient’s medical condition, various monitors will be used to ensure safety. These include from blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters, which measure the oxygen level in your blood. With IV Sedation, an ECG machine is used to monitor your heart rate and rhythm and special equipment is used to assess your breathing.

Dr. Specht and her trained staff will be with the patient, monitoring them closely during the entire procedure.

Is Conscious Sedation Safe?

The use of sedation in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. Dr. Specht has been providing conscious sedation for over 15 years after receving advanced training from the Unviersity of Alberta. She is committed to your comfort, your safety and your overall health.

It is important to advise Dr. Specht of all medications (including recreational drugs) that you take as well as any changes in your health.