A fear of dental care is very real for many patients. There are several tactics and methods of easing the mind of patients receiving care. At some clinics, this includes the use of dental sedation. In this post, our Delta dentists offer some useful information about receiving dental sedation and prepare you for what it feels like.
What is dental sedation used for?
Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments and can be especially useful during long or more invasive procedures such as tooth extractions. There are normally three different types of sedation: oral, nitrous oxide, and IV. At Ladner Village Dental, we, unfortunately, do not offer sedation. We do, however, feel it necessary to enlighten all our patients on as many aspects of dentistry as possible.
Sedation may be helpful for patients who are extremely anxious about dental procedures, need complicated treatment, or have a strong gag reflex. Your dentist will examine your medical history before suggesting sedation to make sure you are in good enough health.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that can be inhaled to help relieve stress and anxiety. Because everyone is different, the gas levels can be easily adjusted throughout your appointment to meet your needs.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedatives are available as liquids or pills. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to help you sleep better, or one hour before to help you relax before and during treatment.
What is IV sedation?
Intravenous sedation, also known as monitored anesthesia care or "twilight sleep," is a type of anesthesia that helps a patient relax by inserting an intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein. Except for those under general anesthesia, patients are usually awake during the procedure.
What does dental sedation feel like?
Dental sedation is a technique for easing the fear and discomfort related to dental procedures. No matter how sleepy you are, you will remain awake and able to interact with your dentist and follow instructions throughout your procedure. If you do doze off, a light shake should shake you out of it.
With conscious oral sedation, typically, patients have little recollection of the procedure. After being sedated with oral sedation, many patients report having a conscious dream. Oral sedation usually allows for a faster recovery than general anesthesia.
Our team will monitor you during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Is it safe to drive after dental sedation?
If your procedure will require dental sedation, you will need to have a responsible adult drive you home after you are finished. Even though the effects wear off relatively quickly, it will still be a while until you are safe to drive again. Be sure to consult with your dentist about when you can resume driving.
Don't let anxiety or dental phobias keep you from getting the care you need. Dental sedation is an option at many dental clinics, making oral health care possible for many who otherwise would be too nervous.
Easing Dental Anxieties
Having a dentist who takes a special interest in helping patients with dental anxiety can be very helpful to those patients. While we don't offer dental sedation at our office, we aim to take an approach that is geared toward patient comfort. Our dental team in Delta has spent some time exploring how best to help patients handle dental anxieties, and have a variety of methods for addressing a wide range of fears.
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable during your visit. After all, patients who feel good about their treatment will be more likely to get it, to the benefit of their oral health!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes only and Ladner Village Dental does not provide dental sedation.