The Drugs Involved In Sedation Dentistry

Most patients are wary of feeling pain with dental procedures, and sedation dentistry sounds like the ideal option. Others are warier of the drugs than the pain. We’d like to offer a breakdown of the drugs used for sedation dentistry – why they work and what makes them great for what we do.

Most drugs used for sedation dentistry fall into a group of medications called benzodiazepines, or “benzos”. Most of us know medications like Valium and Xanax to be big players in this group. Versed is also a member of the benzo family and our preference for dental procedures.

The Players: Drugs Used for Sedation Dentistry

Versed / Midazolam

Versed or Midazolam is used to promote sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety before dental procedures. Midazolam is also given to create amnesia (loss of memory) so that the patient will not remember any of the discomfort associated with the procedure. It works by slowing down the nervous system. Versed is only given by or under the immediate supervision of a doctor trained to use this medicine. Dr. Ghodsi has had full training and certification to offer this specialized drug for his patients. Read more about it in our previous post, Benefits of Sedation Dentistry.

Romazicon

This drug works as a reversal agent to Versed. If for whatever reason Dr. Ghodsi needs to terminate or lower the level of sedation, Romazicon works almost immediately. This drug really allows Dr. Ghodsi to tailor the medications and dosage specifically for each patient.

Nitrous Oxide

This is what most of us know of as “laughing gas”. The intention here is to aid the Versed and offer patients a relaxed and happy experience. Patients may feel light-headed or a tingling in the arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Nitrous oxide wears off very quickly after the gas mask is removed, which is why it works really well in combination with Versed, which allows for a longer effect – reducing after surgery pain.

Closing Remarks

Really, what makes the drugs used for sedation dentistry at our office unique is our decision to combine the above drugs as needed between oral sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide – using the smallest amounts possible to achieve the necessary effect. Most doctors and dentists use one or the other in higher doses. No one else takes this multi-player approach like Dr. Ghodsi. The results are return patients who can’t wait to tell others about their ideal sleep dentistry experience. If you need painful dental procedures and think Dr. Ghodsi’s approach to sedation dentistry is right for you – contact us online or call today.