Dental conscious sedation is a technique used to help patients relax during dental procedures, reducing anxiety and discomfort while allowing them to remain awake and responsive. Unlike general anaesthesia, where the patient is completely unconscious, conscious sedation aims to create a state of calmness and reduced awareness without eliminating the ability to breathe independently or respond to verbal commands. It is a valuable tool for managing dental anxiety, facilitating complex or lengthy treatments, and improving patient experience. Several methods are employed to achieve conscious sedation.
Inhalation sedation, commonly known as "laughing gas" or nitrous oxide sedation, involves the patient breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask placed over the nose. This is a mild form of sedation that works quickly and wears off rapidly once the gas is stopped and the patient breathes pure oxygen for a few minutes.
Intravenous sedation involves administering sedative drugs directly into a vein, typically in the arm or hand, through a small cannula. This method provides a deeper level of sedation compared to inhalation or oral sedation, and the effects are more predictable and immediate.
Midazolam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used, which acts quickly to induce a state of deep relaxation, drowsiness, and often amnesia, meaning the patient may have little to no memory of the procedure.
Oral sedation involves taking sedative medication by mouth, usually in pill or liquid form, before the dental appointment. The type and dosage of medication will depend on the patient's anxiety level, medical history, and the planned procedure. Diazepam a benzodiazepine is commonly used.
Dental conscious sedation offers a range of techniques to help anxious patients receive necessary dental care comfortably. The choice of sedation method depends on various factors, including the patient's level of anxiety, the complexity and duration of the procedure, and the dentist's assessment of the patient's medical history and needs. Regardless of the method used, the primary goal is to create a relaxed and positive experience for the patient while ensuring their safety and the successful completion of the dental treatment. I am fully trained in dental conscious sedation, having graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2024.