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| Sedation Dentistry InfoCenter is an Internet resource that offers you an opportunity to research sedation dentistry. Sedation Dentistry InfoCenter does not offer medical advice or referrals. |
Risks of Sedation DentistrySedation dentistry is a technique that utilizes anesthetics to help patients relax during their dental visit. This can help people with dental phobias and anxieties have a better experience during most dental procedures. This technique can be especially useful with children who are afraid of the dentist or have a difficult time remaining still during a dental exam. Medications to control pain and anxiety have been in use since the early years of the profession, but recent developments allow dentist more control that ever before. As with any type of medical procedure, there are risks associated with sedation. A qualified sedation dentist will understand these risks and take steps to minimize any possible dangers to patients. All potential patients are carefully screened in order to determine if they are good candidates for sedation. Potential RisksAccording to the American Dental Association, treatment by a skilled and trained sedation professional has a record of minimal patient risk. The Association of Pediatric Dentistry states that the risks associated with general anesthesia for dentistry are similar to those posed by the use of general anesthesia in surgery, a mortality rate of one in every 250,000. However, when performed by a skill and well trained professional and when all precautions and procedures are followed, sedation dentistry has a strong record of safety. Minimizing RisksThe American Dental Association recommends a number of safety procedures that dentists should follow in order to minimize patient risk, including the following: -Dentists should only use techniques, methods and medications that they are trained and experience with. -Dentists should understand how anesthetic medications work as well as the potential side effects. -Dentist should have emergency equipments on hand and practice emergency procedures. -All sedation candidates should be carefully screened in order to identify risk factors and potential complications. Dentists who are qualified to provide sedation have extensive training in administering anesthetics and perform both graduate and post-graduate work in the area of sedation. In order to ensure safety, patients should always carefully research the credentials and qualifications of a dentist before having any procedures performed. Check online registries as well as county, state and national listings to learn more about the qualifications of an individual dentist. |