Sedation Dentistry for Complex Periodontal Procedures

Sedation dentistry helps patients stay calm, allowing periodontists to efficiently perform their work while ensuring their patient's comfort and safety. Many people suffer from severe dental anxiety. This fear can stop them from receiving the treatment they need and make their oral health suffer long-term, requiring more extensive treatment. Fortunately, there have been advancements in sedation techniques to help calm individuals needing complex periodontal procedures.

What are periodontal procedures?

Periodontal procedures involve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum diseases and supporting structures. These procedures can be long and complicated, causing people to experience a lot of dental anxiety. These surgeries include:

• Gum graft surgery. Also known as gingival grafting, this surgery is where a periodontist removes tissue from one area of the mouth (i.e., the palate). They then transplant this tissue to another area to restore and strengthen receding or damaged gum tissue.
• Gum lift surgery. Gum lift surgery is the reshaping or removing of excess gum tissue. This procedure exposes more of the tooth's surface and creates a more balanced gum line.
• Osseous (flap) surgery. During the surgery, the periodontist lifts the gum tissue to expose the roots and underlying bone. Doing this makes it possible to thoroughly clean the teeth, remove tartar and bacteria, and reshape the bone to encourage gum tissue reattachment.
• Bone regeneration. The goal of this surgery is to restore bone and tissue. A periodontist places grafting materials, membranes, or other biocompatible materials in the affected area to encourage bone and tissue regeneration, enhancing long-term tooth stability.
• Dental crown lengthening. A dental crown lengthening is where a periodontist removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth or bone. This procedure provides enough tooth structure for future dental crown placement.

Sedation dentistry for complex periodontal procedures

Three types of sedation are available for complex periodontal procedures: oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. Periodontists have extensive education and training to offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. In addition, they collaborate with dental anesthesiologists to provide IV sedation if the patient needs a greater degree of sedation.

Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation is when a patient swallows a pill about an hour before the start of the procedure. The patient relaxes when the sedation takes effect; some may fall asleep during the procedure. After the procedure, the patient will have little to no memory of the treatment. This lack of memory is seen as a benefit for patients with severe dental anxiety and can make it easier for them to go to the dentist in the future.

Nitrous oxide

Commonly known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a sedation option where a patient inhales the sedation through a mask. This results in an immediate calming effect. While awake and aware during the treatment, the patient will feel relaxed throughout the procedure. Some patients choose to combine nitrous oxide with oral conscious sedation, depending on their treatment needs and preferences.

IV sedation

IV sedation is where a periodontist or dental anesthesiologist injects sedation directly into the patient's bloodstream. The immediate effects allow the patient to achieve a deep level of relaxation, sometimes called a "twilight state." Patients often fall asleep with IV sedation and remain asleep during treatment. Like oral conscious sedation, the patient will likely have little to no memory of the procedure.

Call us to learn more

If you need a complex periodontal procedure and feel anxious about it, call our office to discuss sedation options. Together, we can determine the most appropriate sedation option to ensure that you have a successful and stress-free experience. Your oral health is essential, and sedation dentistry can help you achieve a healthy smile without dental anxiety holding you back. Call us today to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://www.torreyhillsperio.com or call Torrey Hills Periodontal Group at (858) 925-1188 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

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