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Sedation dentistry is a field of dentistry that uses special medications to help patients relax during their dental procedures. Dental sedation is useful for patients with special needs such as genetic disorders like Down syndrome or autism or mental health conditions. 

If you are a Palm Coast, Florida, resident looking for dental sedation options for someone with special needs, visit Dr. Ronald F. Jacob’s dental office for comprehensive care. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of sedation available for patients with special needs.

Sedation Levels

Different sedation levels are used for different purposes. These levels include:

• Minimal sedation - Patients are relaxed but awake
• Moderate sedation - Patients are relaxed but do not remember much of the procedure
• Deep sedation - Patients are on the edge of consciousness 
• General anesthesia- Patients are completely unconscious of their surroundings

Types of Sedation Available for Patients With Special Needs

• Inhalation Sedation

This type of sedation uses nitrous oxide (a.k.a laughing gas) that the patient inhales through an oxygen mask. The dentist can control the amount of sedative the patient receives and the recovery time is usually 15 minutes.

• Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation is administered to the patient through their veins with the help of a small tube. The sedative used for this purpose is generally Midazolam which takes a few seconds to work and makes the patient feel drowsy and sleepy.

• Intranasal Sedation

This type of sedation is administered as a nasal spray. The sedative used is also Midazolam. It is quite a useful technique when patients are uncooperative or cannot be administered other forms of sedation.

• Oral Sedation

This is the type of sedation most often used in dentistry. It is a minimal sedation option that involves the patient taking a pill called Halcion one hour prior to the dental procedure. For moderate levels, a larger dose may be recommended. Patients get drowsy and might fall asleep, but can be awakened easily.

• Anesthesia

This type of sedation induces a state of deep sleep and causes the patient to be completely unconscious until the effect of anesthesia starts wearing off. Anesthesia is very useful for uncooperative patients.

To know more about dental sedation options for patients with special needs, contact Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at (386) 445-6111 or visit our office located at 17 Old King’s Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137.