Sedation for Dentistry Work

[loggy01]

I need to have a root canal filling. Today the dentist has put in something to deaden the nerve and temporary filled it. He now recommends that I be sedated!! This scares the hell out of me. Can you feel anything when sedated. I would rather go through childbirth than go to a dentist.

[Bathsheba]

Hi loggy . Don't know why he wants to sedate you. I've had lots of root canal fillings + never felt a thing. There's a very knowledgable guy who comes on here, Mr XLA, or similar- bet he could advise you. Good luck x

[loggy01]

I had a horrendous time this morning. Our dentist is fantastic but he still had to touch the nerve. He was explaining as the root was inflammed it was still possible to feel it because the swollen nerve creates an acid environment and that the anesthetic doesnt take so well in this situation. He put in some nerve calming stuff and a temporary filling but I am now left with tooth ache and told to not eat on this side if possible!! I just want to know if sedation is any good with regards to not feeling anything.

[MrXLA]

Root canal treatment can be uncomfartable/painful even when the tooth is non-vital/'dead' as a result of inflammation/infection around the root of the tooth.
Very often a sedative dressing inside the root canal itself can reduce the inflammation and allow the procedure to be carried out more comfartably.
However root canal treatment can be a lengthy procedure especially in molar 'back' teeth.
Sedation can be used very effectively to relax a patient and whilst the agents used do not themselves have an analgesic 'pain relieving' effect their action combined with dental local anaesthetic can make the experience less unpleasant.
Intra venous sedation usually produces some level of amnesia sometimes total which is also a great benefit.

[loggy01]

Sorry, I am a real wimp!! Bad experience with the school dentist some years ago.

Just to clarify - with the sedation and the anethetic I wont feel a thing - please tell me this is so!!

[andy-hughes]

Depending what sort of sedation you get -

intravenous will knock you out totally, and you will feel nothing at all, and won't really remember getting there.

Local sedation will take all the pain away, and will make you feel so drowsy that you will be very vaguely aware of what is happening, but totally unconcerned, and may even fall asleep during treatment.

And most importat - it will NOT hurt at all!

It was phobic for many years - had to be tranqilised to get me into the building, never mind the chair. i have had both kinds of tranquiliser, and for root canal work, and if i can take it, beleive me you can.

Good luck, you'll be fine - promise!

[loggy01]

Thank you so much for your answer you have put my mind at rest!! For the moment anyway!!

[MrXLA]

Intra venous sedation in UK dentistry does NOT 'knock you out totally' in fact its full name is 'intra venous consciouss sedation' if you are unconsciouss it ceases to be sedation and is general anaesthesia (General anaestheisa has been unavailable to UK dentists in general dental practice since the mid 90s and is now only carried out in hospital).
However the drug used is very potent and as I've mentioned amnesic (this can give people the perception that they have been unconsciouss, but they haven't). During the procedure the dentist and the assistant will speak to you (in part to assess the leval at which the sedation is working) but you probably won't remember.
The most important aspect of a sedative agent used in dentistry is that it is anxiolytic 'reduces fear' it allows the procedure to be carried out, then because its also amnesic you don't remember later.

[MrXLA]

in any case I'm sure all will be okay, good luck

[loggy01]

Forgot to ask. I know that he will be removing the nerve at the base of the tooth. Does all root canal filling involve this procedure?

[MrXLA]

In short yes.
All natural teeth (unless congenitally abnormal) have both a vascular and neuronal supply i.e they have nerve/s. If the living part of the tooth (pulp chamber/the 'nerve') is invaded as a result of dental caries 'decay', periodontal infection 'gum disease' or trauma then the 'nerve' will usuallly die as a result of bacterial invasion and the natural immune response to that invasion. Once this has occured the root canal/s of a tooth become a site for infection. The aim of root canal treatment is to identify the main root canal/s remove the dead 'nerve' tissue, clean the space left behind and then fill and seal the space in the hope that any infection will resolve/be prevented.
The 'nerves' that are removed are inside the root/s of teeth and are actually branches of larger nerve 'trunks'.

[loggy01]

Blimey!!! Thanks for the indepth answer. Are you a Dentist by any chance? Very knowledgeable.

[alison123]

I have a total fear of dentists and needles and was referred to a dentist who offered sedation. I can guarantee you 110% you will not feel a thing. If you are worried about the administration of the intravenous line then ask them to give you some Emla cream. The cream is put onto the back of both of your hands about an hour before your appointment which totally numbs it. Again you wont feel any pain, if you are responsive to any pain the dentist just adds more of what-ever it is they sedate you with. The good part of it all is you wake up not remembering a thing about it all.

[loggy01]

I know that I will need a lift home, but am just worried about how long the sedation takes to wear off and also someone said it is like being drunk - will the room spin or will I feel sick?

[encee]

i had conscious sedation and i am terrified of the dentist i can recomend it.in fact i am going to opt for this every time and its not expensive.

[Bathsheba]

No loggy, you'll probably just tell the dentist he's your best mate + you love him! Seriously though, don't worry, i expect Mr XL5 will be along soon to answer your concerns. When are you having it done?

[loggy01]

Still don't know - waiting for the appointment!! Maybe in 2 years time!!

[naflharrison]

i to am absolutely petrified of the dentist but the sedation is wonderful. you fall asleep and dont remember a thing. i would suggest tho that if its the drill noise that freaks you out to take a cd player or ipod that you can shove in your ears to block out the sound. your sub-consious can hear the drill. i know this as i was sedated just to have 2 fillings (yes wimp!) and my mother (again big wimp!) went with me to drive and the dentist and my good old mum told me after that when i went to sleep i was fine but when they started using the drill i went crazy. my mum had to lie on top of me pinning my arms and legs down. she was covered in bruises. i dont remember a thing!