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There are a lot of dental procedures that can require sedation.

Some sedation medications are milder than others. Mild sedation does not put a patient under completely; instead, it makes you drowsy and relaxed. Stronger sedation makes patients far more drowsy or even unconscious during the procedure.

If you are wondering whether you need to be sedated for your dental procedure, the answer lies in the type of procedure you need to get done. Some procedures may require little or no sedation at all while others may require you to be completely unconscious.

Here are some examples of dental procedures that may require sedation:

Wisdom Tooth Removal – Wisdom tooth removal is a very common procedure and many patients do not need to be put under to get the procedure done. Light to moderate sedatives are enough to perform the procedure. However, in some situations, it’s necessary to put patients on strong sedatives that make patients unconscious. Some examples include if the wisdom tooth is impacted, only partially visible to the naked eye, or if it’s located under the gums. In situations like these, a more extensive procedure is required to remove the wisdom tooth and stronger sedatives are necessary to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Dental Implants – Dental implants are a great option for people who lost their teeth and want replacements. If dentures are not a viable option, patients may choose to get dental implants that will result in more concrete results. Dental implant procedures can be extensive depending on the severity of the situation. Patients are often put under heavy sedation to ensure the procedure is performed as comfortably and safely as possible.

Bone Grafting – Bone grafting is a procedure performed to make dentures fit better in the mouth. This can be a prolonged procedure that takes quite some time to complete. In order to keep patients as comfortable as possible for the entire procedure, many dentists recommend using sedation.

Jaw Surgery – Jaw surgery may be necessary for a variety of reasons. If you need jaw surgery, you will most likely be sedated because it is an extensive procedure that involves aligning the jaw bones.

Emergency Dentistry – In situations where emergency dental procedures are required due to accidents, injuries, or diseases, heavy sedation may be necessary. Depending on the issue and procedure, emergency dentistry can range from removing teeth or performing extensive procedures to fix a bigger issue. In situations like these, dentists may recommend heavy sedation, so you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Fear – Another situation that may require sedation is if you have a lot of anxiety or fear of dental procedures. Some patients have lower pain thresholds and may experience more pain during a dental procedure than others. For these patients, sedation can be helpful because it allows them to be comfortable during the procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about your sedation options for a dental procedure, consider Dr. Ernie Soto. Dr. Soto is not only a highly qualified dentist but makes your comfort a top priority. As one of only a handful of dentists in Florida who are licensed to provide services like IV sedation, Dr. Soto ensures you remain relaxed during your dental procedures. Call (954) 368-6264 today to learn more and to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.