Over the years, dental anxiety or fear has remained to be the top reason why many patients avoid visiting the dentist. It is so common that in Canada, about 40% of the population experience some form of anxiety with the dentist. This affects the community because people who have dental fear are likely to avoid seeking dental care, whether it is for routine treatment or emergency dental care.
The causes of dental fear can be rooted in past traumatic dental experiences, previously failed dental treatments, low pain threshold, anticipation of pain, and the feeling of losing control in the dental chair. And with patients unable to visit the dentist due to these factors, it results in lack of professional care, eventually leading to dental diseases.
Because of the concerns for the oral health of those living in dental fear, the demand for sedation has increased. At Sierra Dental, we are equipped with the technology to provide sedative treatment to patients in need of it. Read along to understand about sedation options and how it can help you if you are dealing with dental fear or anxiety.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help calm patients during dental procedures. This can be in the form of oral medications or medicated gas. Depending on the technique and dosage, the effects can range from mild numbness, moderate sedation, to complete loss of consciousness.
Types of Sedation in Dentistry
Nitrous Sedation
Nitrous oxide, or commonly known as “laughing gas”, is inhaled to produce the desired anaesthetic effect. The advantage of this technique is that the calming effect can be achieved in just under 5 minutes. And when the procedure is done, oxygen is given to flush the nitrous oxide out of the body, immediately wearing off the effect of the sedatives. This is mostly recommended to those with strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth as it only produces gentle sedation.
Oral Sedation
A few hours before the procedure, the patient will be asked to take dentist-prescribed sedative medicines. This type of sedation usually makes patients groggy, but they should still be able to communicate and respond to stimulation. The effects of the oral sedatives will last until the medicine is fully absorbed by the body.
IV Sedation
The medication will be administered through the vein, or intravenously. This is the deepest form of sedation that can be achieved in the dental office, making it ideal for patients who need lengthy procedures or those with severe dental fear. The dosage for IV sedation can be readily controlled by the administering anaesthesiologist to manage how much the body receives and how long the effects will last.
In some patients, general anaesthesia may be recommended especially if they need extensive dental work or complex surgeries. A licensed anaesthesiologist will administer the sedative which includes a combination of inhaled gas and IV drugs. Under general anaesthesia, the patient will be in complete unconsciousness.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Overcoming Fear
These types of sedation in dentistry offers numerous advantages for many patients in that it:
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Having sedatives available in the dental office helps alleviate nervousness and makes patients feel calm during the procedure.
Allows the dentist to perform safe and smooth procedures
With the help of sedatives, patients can be more relaxed, allowing the dental team to provide the necessary dental care. This is especially helpful for uncooperative children or patients with difficulty controlling movement.
Helps complete complex and multiple treatments at once
Putting the patient in a state of relaxation or unconsciousness allows dental procedures to be completed in one go. This improves convenience with dental visits.
Increases comfort and overall experience in the dental office
Patients with poor tolerance to pain or those who have sensitive teeth or gag reflex can receive dental care without any discomfort.
Improves your overall health
Because patients with dental fear are able to receive the care that they need in an environment that they feel more comfortable in, it improves the oral health in the long run.
Is Sedation Dentistry For You?
You may be recommended for sedation dentistry if you:
- Have severe dental phobia or anxiety
- Have a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, or strong gag reflex
- Have special needs, including physical, behavioural, or cognitive
- Are with medical conditions that may be exacerbated by stress, such as epilepsy or hypertension
- Need to have multiple or complex procedures done in one day, such as dental implants or wisdom tooth removal
While sedation is a great option to help calm many patients with fear, anxiety, or discomfort, it is not always the best route for everyone. A thorough assessment of your medical history and overall health is important to determine your eligibility and dosage for the sedatives. This prevents complications during sedation treatment.
If you are unable to receive sedation due to certain conditions, our dental team will discuss your options so you can still receive the necessary dental care.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
At Sierra Dental, we abide by strict protocols and guidelines for our patients who will receive any form of sedation. This ensures that the treatment will be both safe and effective for our patient. During your treatment under sedation, your vitals will be constantly monitored, making sure you are stable and comfortable throughout.
While sedation is generally safe for many patients, it is important to be aware of some potential side effects. If you are scheduled for treatment with sedation, you will be advised to arrange for someone to accompany you going home to ensure your safety.
- Some side effects you may experience include:
- Drowsiness or grogginess
- Dry mouth or mild nausea
- Temporary memory loss
These are usually minimal and should resolve after a while. But, if you experience long-lasting side effects, contact your dentist immediately so they can assess and manage.
Conclusion
Dental anxiety is a common issue that can be linked to a variety of causes. Whether it is about a traumatic dental experience or sensitivity to pain, our team at Sierra Dental helps put you at ease with several options for sedation. Our goal is to provide a positive experience to our patients. And with sedation dentistry, our team can help keep you calm and comfortable so you can receive proper treatment.
Contact us today to learn more about sedation dentistry and discover how it can do wonders to your smile and oral health in the long-term.