Dr. Little’s Thoughts On Why Deep Sedation Is More Effective Than Just A Pill

There is a lot of confusion about “sedation” dentistry. I will explain it as well as I can and provide you with some links so you can further inform yourself on this confusing topic.

Technically sedation can vary, from taking a mild sleeping pill all the way to deep sedation (intravenous). Many of the ads you see on TV or hear on the radio discuss conscious sedation, as if they are all the same…well they are not. The Oregon Dental Association requires that doctors have different “permits” for these different levels of sedation. (www.adsahome.org) There are 3 levels. Generally level one allows the doctor to administer “laughing gas”. Level two allows the administration of pills and possible laughing gas. Level three allows for the direct administration of drugs intravenously and or pills and or laughing gas. Very few dentists are licensed to do all three. There are just a handful in the Portland Metro area. There is quite a bit of extra education and licensure required.

“Deep Sedation” (level three) is the deepest sedation. It is about three times more effective than with pills alone. At West Hills Family Dental we have all levels available for you if needed, including general anesthesia. I am partial to the level three. This type is the most predictable and our patients like the fact that it is safer. Just think about it. If you are prescribed pulls there are many factors to be considered. Pills are absorbed in the intestine. Variables such as food, stress, time, weight, etc. all have an effect so it is very hard to predict the proper dose needed at your appointment. The ability to give you just the right amount is very difficult and doctors error on the light side to prevent and overdose which can be serious….so what if you are still anxious? Take more pills? How many? How long will it take? Hard to adjust when you are in the office? I think you can see some of the problems. By administering drugs directly to your system by IV we can give you the perfect dose for your needs. It is safer because by titration of the dose we can immediately monitor your level so the dose is tailor-made for you right when you need it, no more, no less. Not like pills. Further we have reversal drugs that can be used immediately, if necessary. With pills it is just not possible to reverse a dose quickly, therefore the reason for a lighter dose in the first case.

Additional information available at these web sites:
www.oregon.gov/Dentistry/anesthesia.shtml, www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/useof.asp, www.dentalfearcentral.org/ivsedation.html