Dental sedation is a medication used by dentists to relax patients during dental procedures. It can be administered orally, through inhalation, or intravenously, and its effects can range from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. Sedation is often used for patients who are anxious about dental work, have difficulty controlling their gag reflex, or have complex procedures that require longer treatment times.
Sedation has been used in dentistry for centuries. In the early 1800s, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) was used to sedate patients during tooth extractions. Today, a variety of sedatives are used, including benzodiazepines, opioids, and propofol. The type of sedation used will depend on the patient's individual needs and the procedure being performed.
