As you age, you may be more interested in your general well-being, including dental health. Some older adults put off their dental treatment due to discomfort, fear or long visits. Of course, many patients and their families will ask whether or not dental sedation is safe, and it is. Dental sedation is a safe treatment option, although many may naturally ask about this.
The answer is dental sedation is, in most cases, a safe procedure for the elderly when it is carefully planned, and performed by a skilled sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks. People cannot be excluded from receiving sedation on the basis of age. Rather, general health, medical history, medications and the nature of the dental treatment are all important factors.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we feel patients and their families should know exactly what sedation is, who would benefit the most, and the steps we take to make every visit as safe as possible.
Why Do Older Adults Choose Dental Sedation?
Older adults require more extensive dental health services than younger people. Some procedures that involve tooth removal, dental implant, crowns or gum treatments can be longer and may require patients to be comfortable during the whole appointment.
A Sherman Oaks sedation dentist might suggest sedation for patients who are elderly and:
- Feel moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- Find it difficult to sit for long periods in a chair
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Do multiple procedures at once
- Physical conditions that affect dental treatment.
- Have had bad experiences with the dentist and get nervous again
Sedation enables patients to be more relaxed whilst receiving the treatment they need, and prevents many from missing out on essential treatment.
Is Dental Sedation Safe for Seniors?
Indeed, dental sedation is deemed safe for most elderly people when suitable precautions are taken. A sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks will first thoroughly assess the patient’s overall health before recommending sedation.
Reviewing is a part of this assessment, which may include the following
- Medical history.
- Current medications.
- Heart and lung problems.
- Blood pressure.
- Allergies.
- Previous experiences with anesthesia or sedation.
The aim is to find the safest sedation method for each patient not for everyone.
What Types of Dental Sedation Are Available?
There are a number of different types of sedation depending on the procedure and the comfort level of the patient.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “Laughing Gas” because it makes patients feel relaxed but still awake and responsive. It has a short duration of effect after treatment and is one of the least sedative of the sedatives.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is the use of pre-prescribed medication taken before the appointment. Patients are deeply relaxed, but typically not sleeping and can follow simple commands.
IV Sedation
IV sedation provides greater relaxation and provides the dentist the opportunity to make adjustments during treatment. It’s frequently used for more prolonged or complex procedures.
The experienced sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks will help the patient understand which of the options is best for his or her medical condition and treatment plan.
What Health Conditions Need Extra Attention?
A lot of older adults have chronic health problems that must be taken into account prior to sedation.
These may include
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Mild cognitive impairment.
Sedation is not contraindicated with these conditions. Instead, they assist in deciding on the most secure way to sedate and if there is a need for extra precautions.
When necessary, a qualified sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks makes sure to coordinate treatment with the patient’s physician.
When Is Sedation Especially Helpful for Older Adults?
Sedation can make certain dental treatments easier, particularly when the treatment takes longer.
Sedation may be particularly helpful for:
- Dental implant placement
- Multiple tooth extractions
- Full-mouth restorations
- Advanced gum disease can be treated with deep cleanings.
- Extensive restorative treatment
- Severe dental fear patients.
Many seniors find that they can endure the treatment they postponed for years because of the sedating effect of the treatment, which makes them calm and comfortable.
An experienced sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks can help ensure they are done with great care, ensuring both comfort and safety.
Are There Any Risks?
Sedation is a medical process, and as such, there are risks involved in any such process, including dental sedation. But complications, where a qualified specialist carefully assesses patients first, are rare.
Side effects could include:
- Temporary drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Mild nausea
- Temporary dizziness
- Some older adults may take longer to heal
Proper screening, monitoring and treatment planning can greatly minimize the risk of complications.
A sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks knows how aging can impact the body and tailors the sedation techniques and methods, accordingly.
Conclusion
Many older adults have been able to obtain crucial dental care safely and comfortably with dental sedation. Though each patient is different, age does not usually disqualify a patient from undergoing sedation. A complete medical evaluation, careful planning, and continuous monitoring are the keys to successful treatment.
Compassionate and patient care is our goal at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks. Consult with a familiar sedation dentist in Sherman Oaks in order to learn more about the different options available and to decide which one will benefit long-term oral health. Together, we can make a difference for seniors to get the dental care they deserve, while keeping them comfortable, confident and at ease.