Dental Sedation: Options if You’re Afraid of The Dentist

Dental care is an important part of a person’s overall well-being. However, there are certain reasons why someone may not be getting the professional care they need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. The most common is dental fear or phobia.

At Sierra Dental, we understand that dental fear or anxiety is a problem for many. To provide support, improve comfort, and ensure patients receive proper dental care, we offer sedation options in Calgary such as oral, IV, and nitrous oxide.

Many patients appreciate this inclusion in their treatment plan. Not only do they get the treatment they need, they also enjoy their visits more with a positive experience every time.

Aside from fear, our dentists also use sedation dentistry for other situations.

Let’s cover a few in detail.

What is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is a technique used by dental professionals, and our team at Sierra Dental, to help patients find comfort and relaxation during dental treatment.

Sedation can range from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. This includes oral sedatives, IV sedation, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia.

The type of sedation our dentist will recommend depends on factors such as level of anxiety, complexity of procedure, and your tolerance to the sedative. Sedation can be appropriate for patients of all ages and ensures all our procedures are safe and effective.

Types of Dental Sedation

Before you undergo sedation, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your health and review your treatment plan to determine the right sedation type for you. These sedation options include:

• Minimal Sedation – This is the lightest form of sedation. You will remain fully awake and responsive during the treatment, but will feel relaxed and less anxious. At Sierra Dental, we achieve minimal sedative effects with a laughing gas.
• Moderate Sedation – Our dentist prescribes sedation drugs, such as Valium, to make you feel calm and drowsy. The sedative effects will make you feel at ease, but you will still be able to respond to instructions.
• Deep Sedation – We achieve a state of almost unconsciousness through intravenous (IV) sedation. In this sedation, our dentist can fully control how much sedative drug you receive. Because of its profound effects, you may not fully remember the procedure when it wears off.
• General Anesthesia – For complete unconsciousness, we recommend a general anesthesia. This is usually done in a hospital set up and is supervised by an anesthesiologist. At Sierra Dental, we provide general anesthesia should your care require this level of sedation.

When is Dental Sedation Recommended?

Many patients can benefit from dental sedation, such as:

Patients who have dental anxiety and fear

If you had a previous bad dental experience, you may develop a fear of visiting the dentist. We understand this, and take steps to make you feel more relaxed while you receive the proper care.

For long or complex dental procedures

Sedation allows our dentists to perform complex treatments safely and more efficiently. This is especially useful for placement of multiple dental implants, comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery, and wisdom tooth surgery. With varying types of sedation available at Sierra Dental, we can help you find one that best fits you.

Patients with difficulty staying still or controlling their gag reflex

Sedation can also reduce muscle movement. This will allow patients who experience sudden muscle action and sensitive gag reflex to comfortably undergo treatment.

Children who need extra support at the dentist

We understand that some children may feel a bit cautious at the dentist. When necessary, our dentists may recommend the use of sedation during treatment to improve your child’s dental visit.

Patients with special needs or certain medical conditions

Dental sedation allows patients with autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions to have a more comfortable and cooperative experience.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

The following advantages of dental sedation make it a crucial part of the treatment plan for many of our patients:

• Reduces stress and anxiety – Sedation effectively calms the nerves to make dental visits less stressful and more fruitful.
• Minimizes pain and discomfort – Patients with high sensitivity to pain can be more relaxed during their dental visits.
• Allows for more efficient care – With improved comfort during treatment, we can safely provide effective dental care. This is especially for longer or complex procedures or for our patients with certain medical conditions that require extra support.
• Improves oral health – Patients who have a good experience in the dentist are more likely to come back. This will positively affect their oral health and smile in the long run.

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

At Sierra Dental, we offer three types of dental sedation to our patients. This includes oral sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). To give you a better understanding, this is what usually occurs for each type:

Oral Sedation

Our sedation dentist will prescribe a pill to be taken an hour before the treatment, or as instructed. After a while, you will feel drowsy. This is how you know the effects have taken place. There can be some lasting effects, so it is advisable to arrange company when you go home after treatment.

IV Sedation

The sedative medication is administered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. Our dentist can control and monitor the amount and duration of sedation you will receive in real time making it a very safe option.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, this type of sedation is delivered through the nose using a mask. Once inhaled, a mild sedative effect will take place.

At Sierra Dental, we usually use laughing gas for our younger patients. When the treatment is done, the mask is removed and the effects will immediately wear off.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Yes, dental sedation is generally safe when administered by a trained dentist or anesthesiologist. At Sierra Dental, we have dentists and specialists who have received training in sedation dentistry. They require a pre-assessment before providing sedatives and are committed to ensuring your safety before, during, and after treatment.

Dental sedation requires proper monitoring

Your vitals will be closely monitored in treatment. This will help your dentist adjust the sedative you are receiving accordingly to prevent any complications along the way.

Common side effects are carefully managed

Some of the common side effects of dental sedation are mild nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and drowsiness. Some patients may also feel lightheadedness. The side effects should wear off within a few hours. If they persist, it is best to contact our team so we can manage your concern.

These will be explained before you undergo sedation so you can proceed well informed. With that, you are to arrange a post-procedure plan which should include a family member or friend to take you home after treatment and a recovery kit ready at home, including any medications that your dentist will prescribe.

Discover Comfortable Dental Care with Sedation Dentistry

Your comfort and peace of mind matters to us. Our dentists and in-house specialists at Sierra Dental are trained and experienced to deliver safe and effective sedation. This makes dental visits easier and less stressful for our patients.

Contact us at (403) 297-9600 to learn about our sedation options.