Do you feel anxious about an upcoming dental visit or avoid the dentist because of your stress and fear? Sedation dentistry is a highly effective way to help patients manage dental anxiety. It can make dental visits more comfortable and less stressful. Sedation dentistry in our Edmonton, AB, dental office is part of our general dentistry services. It helps patients get essential care without discomfort or fear.
Reliance Dental offers sedation to reduce stress and anxiety. Dental sedation can help anxious and fearful patients get the dental care they need.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation can make lengthy or uncomfortable procedures more bearable. Patients are less likely to feel discomfort, which can ease anxiety about pain. Unlike general anesthesia, patients remain awake and responsive but are in a deeply relaxed state. This allows for easy communication with the dentist if needed.
Many sedation options can lead to little or no memory of the procedure so patients avoid anxiety over the experience. Oral sedation medications taken before the appointment help calm nerves. Patients often feel more at ease and less fearful about dental work. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure. It can benefit those with past traumatic dental experiences.
Oral sedation can take several hours to wear off completely. When using it before a dental procedure, you will need to have someone bring you to the appointment and take you home afterward.
If you have dental anxiety, discussing options with our dentist can help you find the right solution for a more comfortable visit.
Types of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation helps patients feel relaxed during dental procedures, especially for those with anxiety or lengthy treatments. Several types of sedation are available. Each type is suited to different needs and comfort levels.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedation option. You breathe it in through a mask, and it helps you feel calm while still staying awake. The effects wear off quickly so you can drive yourself home after the appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before your procedure. Depending on the dosage, this type of sedation ranges from mild relaxation to a deeper drowsy feeling. While you will be awake, you may feel so relaxed that you barely remember the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home.
IV Sedation
We administer IV sedation through a vein. It allows our dentist to easily adjust the level of sedation during the procedure. Under this sedation, you may drift in and out of sleep and remember little of the treatment. You will need a ride to and from our office because it takes more time to wear off.
Aftercare
Properly caring for yourself after treatment is important as the effects wear off. The type of sedation you had will affect how long it takes to feel normal again.
If you had nitrous oxide, the effects fade quickly once we remove the mask. You might feel a little lightheaded for a few minutes, but you can usually return to your normal activities right away. Breathing fresh air can help you feel more alert.
The recovery time for oral or IV sedation is longer. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. Don’t operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Rest is the best way to recover. Take it easy until the drowsiness completely wears off.
After IV and oral sedation:
- Rest: The medicine can make you feel sleepy or groggy for several hours. Go straight home after your appointment and relax for the rest of the day. Don’t try to work or exercise. You can continue to rest until you heal.
- Eat Soft Foods Your mouth might feel numb or tender after dental work. Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for your first meal. Avoid hot foods or drinks until the numbness fades so you don’t accidentally burn yourself. Don’t use straws if you had extractions, as sucking can dislodge blood clots.
- Take Medication if Needed If your dentist prescribed pain medicine or antibiotics, take them exactly as instructed. For mild discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Never mix pain medications with alcohol, and don’t take more than the recommended dose.
Is Sedation Safe?
Dental sedation is safe when administered by a trained professional. Before we recommend treatment we will review your medical history and current medications. We will also monitor your vital signs like heart rate and oxygen levels.
Dr. Chandy will recommend the right method for you based on your age and health. For example, we recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for children. This is the mildest option with few side effects.
We will also be careful with patients who have breathing problems or sleep apnea.
Our office will recommend laughing gas if you have mild sleep apnea. It wears off quickly and will not affect your breathing as much as other options. Our dentist will also give you pure oxygen afterward to help clear it from your system.
We only recommend oral sedation or IV sedation for moderate cases with careful monitoring. We avoid deep sedation for patients with severe sleep apnea.
Before your appointment, tell our dentist about:
- Your sleep apnea diagnosis
- Any CPAP or BiPAP machine you use at night
- Other breathing conditions like asthma or COPD
We can work with your sleep doctor to create the safest plan.
Can I Get Sedation if I Have Anxiety?
Yes, dental sedation is commonly used to help patients with anxiety feel more relaxed during dental procedures. Many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. Sedation can make the experience much easier.
Before your appointment, talk to our dentist about your anxiety and any concerns you have. He can explain your sedation dentistry options in Edmonton, AB, and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Our office may also recommend that you follow these tips to help you feel more comfortable in our office:
- Ask us questions about treatment
- Bring headphones to listen to music
- Have a friend or family member come with you to your appointment
Get Pain-Free Dental Treatment
Feel comfortable at the dentist with sedation dentistry in our Edmonton, AB dental office. We want you to have a more pleasant experience at the dentist. Our staff is compassionate and takes the time to inform patients about what to expect.
Call Reliance Dental today at 587-840-9984. You can also request an appointment with us online.