We are well aware that one in three patients is extremely phobic of receiving dental care. The good news is that we now use advanced techniques of pain and anxiety management in the form of sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety free experience for phobic patients from receiving dental treatment. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning to ensure that we are battling your dental fears while you rest easy!
Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:
- Have a low pain threshold
- Can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
- Have very sensitive teeth
- Have a bad gag reflex
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
Sometimes, children are given sedation if they are terrified of going to the dentist or refuse to cooperate during the visit. It’s absolutely safe for children.
Depending on the severity of the fear we use various medication and methods to help patients relax during dental procedures. The following types of sedation are used
- Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide also known as “laughing gas” combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax and it tends to wear off quickly. This is widely used in the US and you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate by ways of a pill. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. You can actually fall asleep during the procedure but can be awakened with a gentle shake.