Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including Anxiolytic Dentistry, Conscious Sedation, Deep Sedation, and General Anesthesia.
The Spectrum of Sedation
Anxiolytic Dentistry (a.k.a. Minimal Sedation) - A pharmacologically induced state of consciousness where an individual is awake but has decreased anxiety to facilitate coping skills, retaining interaction ability.
Conscious Sedation (a.k.a. Moderate Sedation) - A minimally depressed level of consiousness whereby the patient maintains their own airway and reflexes, and responds to physical and verbal stimuli.
Deep Sedation - A depressed level of consciousness whereby the patient may not respond to physical or verbal stimuli, may not maintain their own reflex mechanisms, and needs assistance in maintaining their own airway.
General Anesthesia - An unconscious patient that does not maintain their own reflexes, cannot maintain their own airway, cannot respond to physical or verbal stimuli, and cannot breathe on their own.
Dr. Hakes performs Anxiolytic Dentistry and Conscious Sedation in her office. In both situations, the patient is constantly monitored by one of our team members. During Conscious Sedation, the patient is continuously monitored by a Pulse-Oximeter and constantly by one of our team members. Please note Dr. Hakes does not currently perform Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia in her office and is happy to refer patients requiring this level of sedation to a dentist that does.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require some sort of sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your Dr. Hakes or her team about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, Dr. Hakes will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions.
In addition to her dental school training and education, Dr. Hakes has taken numerous post-graduate seminars and courses in oral conscious sedation. Most recently she completed 26 hours of training through Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS Education). Annually, Dr. Hakes and several of her team are recertified for CPR and 1st Aid. We want you to be comfortable if you have fears or concerns. Feel free to ask about our procedures, protocols and experiences with conscious sedation.