There are different types of sedatives that use to numb you, each serving a different purpose.
IV Sedation
IV means intravenous. It means the doctor ınjectıons the drvg straight into your bloodstream. Dentists often use IV because of it's excellent success rate. After ınjectıons, it puts the patient in a ‘twilight sleep’ state. IV sedation is the typical option. This is what can happen to a patient on IV:
IV sedation dentistry produce either partial or full memory loss during the dental procedure. This means time will seem to pass very quickly and you will not recall much of what happened.
The patient is awake and aware of the surroundings. They are also responsive.
The patient feels comfortable and relaxed throughout the whole procedure. So relaxed, in fact, that they might not be aware they’re undergoing one.
It causes temporary amnesia and a state of ‘h͞igh’.
There’s a reason IV is a popular option in dental operations. It works, and it works like a dream (pun intended). But for it to be effective, the patient must fast before coming in. Coming in with a full stomach can render the drvg ineffective.
Most people who receive IV sedation dentistry fall asleep and have little to no memory of their treatment when they wake up.
Inhalation Sedation
Inhalation Sedation: This introduces a state of relaxation. This is a conscious sedation method that is fast-acting and with few side effects.
Contrary to popular belief, inhalation sedation gas doesn’t make you burst into a giggle fit. It is a light anesthetic unlike IV. It also doesn’t work as well, but it still gets the job done for a quicker and relatively painless experience.
This is what happens if you’re sedated using laughing gas:
The patient experiences a euphoric sensation much like that with IV. But the effects are not as pronounced as the former.
Laughing gas may cause a bit of amnesia, but the patient will still be remembering most of the procedure. It can make a patient dizzy, but they can still be awakened.
Those who might have concerns about laughing gas can rest easy. It’s mild in comparison to IV, so you won’t be laughing out of control like anytime soon.
Different sedation options offer varying levels of effects. Say, if you know you’re going for IV, ask somebody to accompany you. IV is potent enough to render you unable to go home on your own.
General anesthesia is a type of unconscious sedation. In other words, you’ll be completely unconscious during the procedure.
You’ll be asleep when you’re under sedation and not feel any paın during your treatment. It’s like taking a nap!
Some sedation makes you quite groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary, and you’ll awaken with a gentle nudge. Because sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.