has anyone ever used a sedation dentist? I have a cavity that is getting PAINFUL and I hate pain

[greenbriar]

going to the dentist scares the bejesus out of me so I put it off and that makes it worse



so if you have been, tell me about the experience

[Oeditpus Rex]

1. Dunno if all of 'em do it the same, but...

My dentist gave me two Little Blue Pills — one for the night before and one for the morning of the appointment. The effect of the pills was interesting; I didn't exactly go to sleep, but I don't remember much of the procedure. No side effects, either.

[yellowdogintexas]

2. I have not but I know others who have and they say it makes all the difference in

the world.

I had a dentist once who used nitrous oxide (laughing gas) whenever he could over injecting novacaine or other numbing agents. Not bad, actually

[democracyindanger]

3. Sedation or anesthesia?

Sedation is getting completely knocked out, no?

I got gassed when I had all four wisdom teeth pulled. The dentist told me about the effects, one of which was saying embarrassing things; which I don't doubt but who can say anything when some dude has a drill and pliers in your mouth? Didn't feel a thing, but when the anesthetic wore off it was the most brutal pain I have ever experienced.

[DeepBlueC]

9. actually "deep sedation" is what they use

intravenous administration (rather than anesthetic gases) so you breathe on your own but feel nothing, remember nothing. My dentist uses a combo of Versed (for forgetting) and a combo of short and long-acting narcotics, propofol (sp.?) and Fentanyl are two that are in the mix. Apparently I can respond to him, like "open wider" I guess, but you can't prove it by me. I am utterly unaware of everything after about ten seconds of drugs.

Mmmm...I put this in the wrong place but don't know how to move it. Oh well...

[begin_within]

4. go soon

an abscess may be forming if it continues to get more and more painful. Go tomorrow if possible. I've only used local anesthesia (novocaine). Make sure they use the numbing gel on the gums before they inject the novocaine - that will go a long way to eliminate any pain from the needle. If you're going to have a tooth pulled, take an Advil or 2 before you go there. Pulling a tooth can be very fast and easy, or longer and more difficult. You'll be glad you got rid of it. If you have to have a root canal, that will take at least 1 hour, including the waiting periods. so bring a book or an ipod.

[MilesColtrane]

5. I had an IV bag full of Demerol for the removal of my impacted wisdom teeth.

I was semi-conscious during the procedure, but experienced no pain.

If a dentist is going to use sedation analgesia on you, it wouldn't hurt to ask him/her some specific questions about it.

1) Who will be responsible for the administration of sedative medications? What are his, or her qualifications?

2) How will I be monitored during my procedure?

3) Will I have an I.V. (intravenous catheter)?

4) Will I be receiving local anesthesia in addition to sedation?

5) Will the level of sedation I receive be sufficient to make me comfortable during the procedure as well as the recovery period immediately afterward?

6) Who will be monitoring my recovery after the procedure?

7) In case of an emergency, what equipment and personnel will be available?

8) Who will decide when I am ready to go home?

9) Whom can I call if I have any problems or questions once I get home?


Opiate sedatives are powerful drugs and different people do not react the same way to their administration.

With any doctor don't be afraid to barrage them with questions it's the only way to be informed about what they will be doing to you.

[Critters2]

6. I go to a sedation dentist. Wouldn't do it any other way.

My insurance pays the regular amount for a procedure, so I pay the extra out of pocket. It's worth it. I don't even remember any of the work afterwards. The only problem for me is that the dentist is in another town, about 15 miles away. I have to find someone to drive me there and back.

I recommend it!

[1]

7. one time. they put these tubes on my head with these little nozzles up my nose...

blowing some sort of pleasant gas. headphones on my ears with calming music. a tv in front of my eyes showing beautiful scenes.

wow. that is the only way to do any dental work.

do it.

[DeepBlueC]

8. yes...for nearly 40 years

My first dentist in this city actually fired, er, "redirected" me to a dentist/anesthesiologist and I have not heard the sound of a drill for decades. When I started doing this they did not use dental dams, so I don't even know what one is, though I gather that they are not pleasant. Go for it; you will never look back.