Have you ever experienced anxiety or fear while sitting in a dentist’s office? You may have had a bad individual experience at the dentist. This may have caused you to neglect the regular dental procedures altogether.

A lot of people across the world are so phobic when they have to go to dentist that they prefer not having any dental treatment. For individuals that avoid going to the dentists, sedation dentistry can help to take away the anxiety. Individuals can use sedation for different dental treatments such as invasive procedures, tooth cleaning etc.

In this article, we will guide you about the importance of treatment through dental sedation and how it can improve your dental health.

What is dental sedation? 

The process of dental sedation allows a dentist administering sedatives during or before dental care. This helps patients to relax during treatments. Dentists can use sedatives to safely perform services such as cosmetic dental procedures or tooth extractions on patients. For patients taking dental sedation Canada, it is a relaxing dental procedure. Patients do not have any memory of undergoing dental procedures and have no fear while being in the dental chair.

Types of Sedation Dentistry 

Mild sedation

Mild sedative is administered either through inhalation or orally. A common type of mild sedation is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide helps to keep patients conscious across the procedure. It allows patients to have relaxation and breathe on their own while allowing dentists to perform the dental sedation treatment.

Moderate sedation

Intravenous Sedation (IV sedation) and oral medication allows patients that experience dental anxiety having moderate forms. Dentists can also administer oral medicine for patients before they arrive at an appointment. While in the office, dentists can inject sedatives into bloodstream through a vein for reducing the anxiety. IV sedation helps to keep you conscious. This allows a dentist to control length and level of sedation.

Deep sedation

Deep sedation is another common form of dental sedation treatment. The most common form of deep sedation is general anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually given to patients that are receiving complex or invasive dental procedures such as root canals and dental implants. Throughout the entire procedure, patients remain unconscious and tend to require consistent breathing assistance.

Procedure Details

The process before sedation dentistry

You will have a discussion with your dentist regarding dental sedation treatment options during the initial consultation. They will have a discussion regarding your health history and also ask about supplements or medications that you are taking during the process of sedation dentistry. After the collection of all important information, they will make sedation recommendations based on your particular needs.

You must never drink or eat anything for at least six hours before your initial dental appointment. Unless you are provided directions by your dentist, you must take all routine medications without having any interruption. You should also inform your dentist if you are taking any blood thinners such as warfarin. They can ask you to skip the medications before your procedure.

The process during sedation dentistry

The dentist provides you sedative medications before starting your procedure. You will also receive local anesthetic medicines to numb your gums and teeth. However, your dentist performs this when you have comfort after using the sedatives.

The process after sedation dentistry

After your sedation process is completed from a dental sedation clinic, you will require a trusted family member or friend for driving you home after performing your appointment. You can go home and rest while the sedative medication wears off.

Even though you can eat and drink immediately after your appointment. However, most individuals prefer to wait until the overall numbness from the local anesthesia wears off. A comprehensive list of postoperative guidelines will be provided by dentist to you. These instructions provide an idea of the different types of food you can eat or avoid.

Benefits of Sedation dentistry

Dental sedation helps to ease phobias and anxieties. Thus, helping you to remain calm and comfortable when performing dental procedures. Many individuals while visiting dental sedation clinic have such a high level of dental anxiety that they tend to avoid going to the dentist. Sedation also allows you to feel more comfortable so you get optimum levels of dental care.

Risks of sedation dentistry

The process of sedation dentistry is safe when administration is done by a licensed healthcare provider. However, there are many complications. Possible short-term risks include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and headaches.

Summary

It is evident that the process of dental sedation allows you to feel calm, relaxed and at ease when performing dental procedures. It has a moderate level of sedation. As a result, you are technically awake but generally feel carefree. It’s also known as conscious sedation dentistry as it creates a state of short-term amnesia. This is because patients experience insensitivity to pain without having consciousness.