IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia

IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia

There are many ways to relieve the pain of a patient and feel as comfortable as possible during a procedure. The most common is dental IV sedation (also known as Intravenous sedation) and general anesthesia, but which is the best option for your procedure?

IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia

What is it and what does it feel like?

IV sedation dentistry is a powerful anesthesia that can put you into a state of relaxation, typically to the point where there is no recollection of your operation as you would fall asleep. This is especially helpful if you are uncomfortable under the surgical chair.

Dental IV sedation consists of a substance called benzodiazepines. This is a drug class of Midazolam that reduces anxiety, makes patients sleepy, and experience slight amnesia.

General anesthesia is not as strong as dental IV sedation as it puts your body in a state of numbness where you are unable to move. It is possible to fall asleep under general anesthesia depending on your condition. The doctor may need to administer more sedation for you to fall asleep if required. Common post-op effects of general anesthesia are shivering and feeling cold for a few minutes to a few hours. Some report confusion and memory loss, however, this may vary depending on your physical health.

General anesthesia consists of a variety of common drugs such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and opioids.

IV sedation dentistry

Where is it used?

Dental practices commonly use IV sedation to relieve the patient’s pain and anxiety, whereas general anesthesia is more commonly used in hospitals for operations such as hip replacement or heart surgery.

Use IV sedation to relieve pain and anxiety

How long will it last?

General anesthesia and IV sedation will last as long as it is required for your procedure, but the period during which the post-op effects last will depend. After your operation under IV sedation, you may feel drowsy and a chaperone may be required to take you home. This effect is estimated to last approximately 12 hours and will fully wear off after 24 hours. General anesthesia can last as short as 1-2 hours or as long as 24 hours.

It is important to note that the dose of anesthesia will vary depending on your operation. If you are undergoing a large procedure a heavier dose of anesthesia may be required, thus a longer post-op effect and vice-versa.

General anesthesia and IV sedation

IV sedation for wisdom teeth

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most painful procedures in dentistry. To relieve the patient of this pain, the use of IV sedation will be perfect. The common effect of ‘twilight sleep’ from IV sedation, is that you are not really unconscious but not as aware regarding your surroundings will allow you to have your procedure done quickly and painlessly.

IV sedation for wisdom teeth

Advantages and disadvantages

IV Sedation:

Advantages:

• More potent.

• More likely to fall asleep.

• Comfortable experience.

• Easily adjustable dose of sedation.

Disadvantages:

• Longer post-op effects.

General Anesthesia:

Advantages:

• Shorter post-op effects.

• Used in various procedures.

Disadvantages:

• Might not fall asleep or wake up in the middle of surgery.

IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia

Which option is best for me?

Many agree that IV sedation dentistry is a safer option than general anesthesia as it is more potent and the post-op effects can be easily handled. The type of anesthetic used for your procedure will vary but it is up to your professional medical practitioner to decide which will be best for your operation.

At Pain-Free Dentist Sydney, Dr. Lisa will conduct a detailed exam before your procedure. We offer numbing gel and IV sedation for large procedures due to the many benefits that it offers. By doing so, you would not feel the anesthetic needle and the operation itself to ensure that it really is painless.

Looking for a Dentist in Sydney?

If you wish to consult about your dental or any cosmetic concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 9558 8988. Alternatively, you can reach us via our email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au.

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Dental Crowns And Veneers For Bulimia Nervosa

A patient suffering from bulimia nervosa usually has a yellow shade of teeth that is very sensitive. This is because the acid reflux from excessive vomiting will erode the tooth enamel, meaning your gastric acid eats away the minerals that form your enamel.

This process can negatively damage the health of your gum line and teeth, similarly reducing your confidence when smiling. Hence, full-mouth dental crowns and dental veneers are great solutions to improve your physical appearance. They not only reduce the sensitivity of your tooth enamel but also resemble your real teeth, boosting your confidence greatly and allowing you to smile brightly again.

Dental Crowns

What are Dental crowns?

Dental crowns are man-made caps that are placed over your worn down, cracked or broken tooth. They are used to prevent the damaged area from spreading further and to restore your aesthetics. There are many types of dental crowns, however the most preferred material is porcelain due to its natural white and patients can customise the colour according to their teeth. For patients with bulimia, the full mouth crown can completely replace the already eroded yellow teeth. Your teeth will no longer feel sensitive and you can confidently show off your new smile.

Before every dental crowns procedure, the dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth to ensure the tooth itself, and the surrounding bone areas, do not pose any infections (such as a root canal) and destroy the crown in the future.

During the procedure, the patient is put under local anaesthesia, the temporary crown is replaced by the porcelain crown. Your doctor will ensure the bite after placing the crown is correct to remove any discomfort.

After the procedure, you might feel odd biting on your new tooth. This is perfectly normal and after a while, you will be able to adjust to it. It is essential that you take care good of your teeth to avoid further decay. This can include brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice a day, drinking fluoridated water and ensuring you get a regular checkup at your local dentist’s place.

Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Many people will be more inclined to choose dental veneers due to their affordability and the process is minimally invasive in comparison to porcelain crowns (the original teeth is not shaved down).

This can be a great option for bulimia patients if they prefer preserving their original teeth and/or if they have dental anxiety and cannot handle the drilling sound. However, porcelain veneers will not last as long as the cement wears out over time and won’t be as adhesive. Similarly, your bulimia teeth can become brittle, translucent, and weak, which is not ideal for long-term maintenance. Furthermore, the veneered tooth can crack due to it being more fragile than a porcelain crown.

The before, during and after processes of dental veneers are relatively similar to dental crowns. The only differences are the time taken for each procedure (veneers are much faster), the number of anaesthetics used, and the veneers would involve fewer drillings.

Where to find a good dentist in Sydney?

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, Dr. Lisa Chong is a highly qualified dental practitioner who has over 30 years of experience. During her career, she has been trained by an excellent Maxillofacial oral surgeon in various procedures, including tongue tie surgeries, TMJ pain issues and overall cosmetic dentistry.

Give a call now at 9558 8988, or via email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to inquire about any of your dental issues.

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TMJ symptoms and treatments

Overview

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. There is a joint on each side of the jaw. TMJ disorders are disorders in the temporomandibular joint that cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be the result of a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or a jaw injury. Some people with mandibular pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.

In some cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders are temporary and can be relieved by self-managed care or non-surgical treatment. Surgery is often the last resort after conservative treatment has failed, but some patients with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgery.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of TMJ disorders may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw

• Pain in the temporomandibular joint

• Pain in and around the ears

• Difficulty or pain in chewing

• Facial pain

• Locking the joints, difficult to open or close your mouth

TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking or jarring sensation when you open your mouth or chew.

Causes

The temporomandibular joint combines hinge movement and sliding motion. The bones that interact within the joint are partly covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock absorber, which usually keeps the motion steady.

TMJ disorder could happen if:

• Disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment

• Articular cartilage is damaged by arthritis

• The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact

However, in many cases, the causes of TMJ disorders are unclear.

Risks

Factors that may increase the risk of TMJ disorders include:

• Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

• Jaw injury

• Permanent (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth

Certain connective tissue diseases may affect the temporomandibular joint

Treatment

Common self-care treatments include medication, bite guards and physiotherapy. Patients experiencing TMJ could also exhibit stress symptoms. Hence, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga may help to improve their mental wellbeing.

For most TMJ cases, patients require medical attention or the help of the dentist, who would be able to correct the jawline and prevent ongoing aches.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we are proud to introduce a unique solution that guarantees desirable results. With years of experience and specialisation in TMJ, Dr. Lisa Chong has personally designed a mouth guard structure - called a “splint”, which can align both upper (maxillary), and lower (mandibular) jaws to permanently treat TMJ dysfunction.

Call us now at 02 9558 8988 or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au for a consultation today!

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