SEDATION

Sedation for adults and children from age 8 — comfortable dental treatment under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
  • Sedation is not general anesthesia. The patient breathes independently, while their condition is continuously monitored by an anesthesiologist.
  • We provide dental treatment under sedation for adults and children from age 8.
  • Sedation can be used for both restorative dental treatment and complex surgical procedures, including wisdom tooth removal.

What is sedation in dentistry?

Sedation is a medication-induced state of deep relaxation that helps patients undergo dental treatment in a calmer and more comfortable way.

Sedation is not general anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient continues to breathe independently, while their vital signs are monitored by an anesthesiologist.

Sedative medications are administered intravenously. During treatment, the patient remains in a relaxed, sleep-like state and may remember very little or nothing about the procedure afterwards.

It is important to understand that sedation and local anesthesia have different purposes. Sedation reduces anxiety and improves comfort, while local anesthesia numbs the area where dental treatment is being performed.

After the procedure, the patient remains under medical supervision until sufficiently recovered.

Sedation is not general anesthesia

Sedation is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, which can lead patients to confuse it with general anesthesia. However, sedation and general anesthesia are different methods.

With the sedation used at our clinic:

  • the patient breathes independently;
  • the patient’s condition is monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure;
  • vital signs are continuously monitored;
  • the dentist also uses local anesthesia to numb the treatment area;
  • after the procedure, the patient remains under supervision until sufficiently recovered.

Before treatment, the patient’s general health is assessed to determine whether dental treatment under sedation is suitable.

Dental treatment under sedation for children from age 8

At Kadrioru Plaza Hambakliinik, dental treatment under sedation is available for children from age 8.

Sedation may be considered when a child experiences significant fear or anxiety about dental treatment, has difficulty tolerating a longer procedure, or requires an extensive amount of dental treatment.

This approach can make necessary dental treatment more comfortable and, depending on the clinical situation, may allow several dental procedures to be completed during a single appointment.

Before treatment is planned, the dentist assesses the condition of the child’s teeth and the amount of treatment required. Suitability for sedation is determined individually, taking into account the child’s age and general health.

Throughout the procedure, the child’s condition is monitored by an anesthesiologist.

What dental treatments can be performed under sedation?

Sedation can be used for a variety of dental procedures, particularly when a patient experiences significant anxiety or requires lengthy or complex treatment.

At our clinic, treatment under sedation may include:

  • treatment of dental caries and tooth restorations;
  • root canal treatment;
  • prosthetic dental treatment;
  • simple and complex tooth extractions;
  • removal of one or several wisdom teeth;
  • removal of impacted and abnormally positioned teeth;
  • dental implant placement;
  • bone augmentation and other surgical procedures.

Whether several procedures can be completed during a single appointment depends on the amount of treatment required, the duration of the procedure and the individual clinical situation.

[Learn more about oral surgery →]

Who may benefit from dental treatment under sedation?

Sedation may be considered for patients:

  • with significant dental fear or anxiety;
  • who find it difficult to tolerate lengthy dental procedures;
  • who require complex oral surgery;
  • who need several teeth removed during one appointment;
  • who require an extensive amount of dental treatment;
  • with a strong gag reflex that makes dental treatment difficult.

The final decision regarding suitability for sedation is made individually after assessing the patient’s general health.

How does dental treatment under sedation work?

Before the procedure, the dentist determines the required amount of treatment and the patient’s general health is assessed.

On the day of the procedure, intravenous access is established, through which the anesthesiologist administers the sedative medication.

Once the appropriate level of sedation has been achieved, the dentist begins treatment. Local anesthesia is used when necessary.

Throughout the procedure, the anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s condition and vital signs.

Once dental treatment is completed, administration of the sedative medication is stopped and the patient remains under supervision until sufficiently recovered.

Preparing for dental treatment under sedation

Before the procedure, the patient receives individual preparation instructions.

It is particularly important to inform the dentist and anesthesiologist in advance about:

  • chronic medical conditions;
  • medications you are currently taking;
  • any known allergies;
  • previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia;
  • any other circumstances that may be relevant to the procedure.

The instructions regarding eating and drinking before sedation must be followed carefully.

After the procedure, the patient must not drive. An adult escort and transportation home should be arranged in advance.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

After dental treatment under sedation

After treatment, the patient remains under medical supervision for a period of time.

Drowsiness, tiredness or reduced concentration may persist for some time after the procedure.

On the day of sedation, patients should follow the instructions provided by the anesthesiologist and dentist, avoid driving, and avoid activities requiring increased attention or concentration.

Before leaving the clinic, the patient or accompanying adult receives the necessary aftercare instructions.

Book a consultation for dental treatment under sedation

If dental anxiety prevents you from receiving necessary treatment, or if you require a lengthy surgical procedure, the doctor will assess whether treatment under sedation is suitable for you.

Sedation is available for adults and children from age 8 and is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Kadrioru Plaza Hambakliinik — dental treatment under sedation for adults and children in Tallinn.

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