What Should You Know About Dental Anesthesia

Are you one of 40 million Americans who do not like to visit a dentist due to dental anxiety ? There is something which can help you to recover from this anxiety, that is sedation dentistry.

Blog By:
Dr. Colin Odland

Often, people have anxiety before dental procedures; they are mainly concerned about enduring the pain. Nervousness can lead to delay in dental treatment which can worsen the dental problem. 

In these situations, anesthesia is used to ease the pain and calm the patient down. Anesthesia is given to an anxious or nervous patient before a procedure, either to dull the pain or to sedate a patient. 

There are many types of dental anesthesia available. Let us help you and explain different types of anesthesia, its side effects, risks, and precautions. 

Types of anesthesia 

Though there are many options available for dental anesthesia, the usage depends on the age of the patient, health condition, weight, any allergies, and length of the dental procedure. Local, general, and sedation are the three main types of anesthesia – each with specific uses. 

Local Anesthesia 

Dentists give local anesthesia for simpler and less complicated procedures like cavity filling, tooth extractions, root canal treatment, scaling, and root planing. With local anesthesia, the patient is conscious and can communicate. The area where local anesthesia is given will be numb and the patient will feel no pain at all. 

Local anesthesia is effective within 10 minutes and lasts for about 30 – 60 minutes. A higher or stronger dose will last longer.  It is available in various forms; it can be applied as a gel, cream, patch, spray, or injections. 

Local anesthesia is used for: 

    
•   Minor surgeries
    
•   Fast procedures where the patient need not be hospitalized 
    
•   Surgery that does not require the patient to be unconscious 
         

Sedation Dentistry 

Usually referred to as “sleep dentistry”, sedation dentistry helps the patient relax during dental procedures. Sedation can also cause price dure amnesia. In this, the patient might be fully, semi, or barely conscious. Mild, moderate, or deep are the categories of sedation. Sedation is used for invasive oral surgeries like bone grafts, sleep apnea surgery, cosmetic dental procedures, oral cancer surgery, and more.

Types of sedation dentistry used:

    
• Inhaled minimal sedation 
    
• IV moderate sedation 
    
• Deep sedation and general anesthesia 
    
•  Oral sedation
         

IV sedation comes with risks attached. In moderated or deep sedation, the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing pattern must be closely monitored.

General Anesthesia 

This type of anesthesia is used for patients who show too much anxiety or nervousness. It is used during longer dental procedures and makes the patient completely unconscious. The patient experiences no pain, muscles are fully relaxed, and no given memory of the procedure.  

During general anesthesia, the patient is closely monitored and emergency equipment is a mandate to ensure the patient’s safety. The medication is given through a face mask or IV. 

General anesthesia used for:

    
• Very young, uncooperative patients 
    
• Patients with special needs like Autism 
    
• Phobic patients
    
• Extensive treatment 
         

Side effects of dental anesthesia 

Local anesthesia has fewer side effects as compared to general anesthesia. After the effects of local anesthesia wear out, the patient may experience many side effects including:

    
• Unable to blink
    
• Hematoma, a blood-filled swelling 
    
• Racing heartbeat 
    
• Nerve damage, which is a rare occurrence        

Here are a few side effects reported with sedation and general anesthesia: 

    
• Headache
    
• Sweating 
    
• Shivering 
    
• Vomiting or nausea 
    
• Hallucination 
    
• Dry mouth 
    
• Lockjaw due to surgery
    
• Slurred speech 
    
• Tiredness 
    
• Numbness
    
• Dizziness  
         

Who needs to take precautions while taking dental anesthesia?

    
1. Patients with special needs – Patients with special needs have to be careful before taking anesthesia; they require evaluation of the type and level of anesthesia. Doses need to be adjusted before giving it to children to avoid any kind of overdose or adverse reaction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that numbing agents commonly used for teething pain are not safe for use in children below 2 years old. 
    
2. Pregnancy – Pregnant women need to discuss risks involved with the use of anesthetics. 
    
3. Elder patients – Older adults with health conditions may need adjustments with doses and close monitoring during and after the surgery. Some older patients might experience confusion and memory loss. 
    
4. Patients with neurologic conditions – General anesthesia may increase the risks involved with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid, Parkinson’s disease, and mental illness.  
    
5. Patients with liver, lung, or heart conditions – Those with liver, kidney, heart, or lung disease might need adjustment with doses. The effect of the anesthesia might be stronger and might take time to subside. 

Risks involved with dental anesthesia 

Local anesthesia does not have adverse reactions, whereas sedation and general anesthesia involve higher risks. Older adults, patients with special needs, and patients with existing health conditions need special care and constant monitoring. 

Risks involved with anesthesia include:

    
• Allergic reaction 
    
• Seizures 
    
• Coma 
    
• Heart failure 
    
• Low blood pressure 
    
• Stroke 
    
• Paresthesia
    
• Malignant hyperthermia 
         

Dental procedures can be painful and anesthesia can help reduce the pain and anxiety of the patient. Before any dental proceedings, ask your dentist about the medications that will be used. Share your medical history and any underlying health problems. Ask your dentist about the proper diet and before and after the procedure, and any special instructions to follow. 

For more about dental anesthesia, visit our dentist in Des Moines and our expert team at Smiles on Hickman will be happy to answer all your queries. 

Author name: Dr.Colin Odland, DDS
Practice name: Smiles on Hickman

Bio: Dr. Colin Odland, DDS grew up on a farm outside of Clarion, IA and is a graduate from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Odland loves being a dentist because he is rewarded with giving patient’s the smile they have always wanted while improving their oral and overall health. His favorite part about his job is creating meaningful relationships with every patient that makes going to the dentist a positive and comfortable experience.