Category: sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry in NW Calgary has become one of the commonest procedures done in the past few years, making it easier for people to overcome their dental anxiety and have their dental problems sorted out via the various methods of dental sedation available in today’s dental practice. The administration of sedative drugs and other forms of medicine to reduce discomfort and anxiety for those who fear the dentist before dental procedures are the hallmarks of sedation dentistry. If you want to go for a dental procedure such as removing a tooth or fixing veneers and you are already having second thoughts about it, this blog will help you understand how you can overcome your anxiety.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Different reasons abound for patients who want to consider sedation dentistry. Also, sedation could be a recommendation of the dentist or dental surgeon, which would help their patients go through the procedure with minimal discomfort. Some of the different reasons include the following:

• Phobia related to dental procedures
• Previous uncomfortable or bad experiences with a dental procedure
• Sensitive oral nerves
• Having a small mouth that becomes sore during dental procedures
• Being resistant to local anesthetic agents
• Having a general anxiety disorder

You can ask your dentist about sedation dentistry if you have one of the reasons listed above. Our Dentists in Calgary can help you answer questions on oral sedation dentistry in Calgary. Dental sedation can help you get through dental procedures like root canals, tooth extractions, dental implantation, etc.

Sedation Dentistry: How It Works.

Several different methods are used for dental sedation, with each having a different purpose, and based on certain factors, your dentist will choose the most appropriate one for your procedure. Some of these factors include:

• The dental procedure being performed
• Duration of the dental procedure
• Your level of anxiety.

Dentists in Calgary may then choose any one of the following forms of sedation: Minimal sedation, wherein patients are awake but in a relaxed state. Moderate sedation, wherein patients are conscious but may experience slurring of speech and slight memory loss. Deep sedation, wherein patients are on the verge of unconsciousness but can still communicate. General anesthesia, wherein patients are completely unconscious.

Types Of Dental Sedation

Nitrous Oxide: The commonest form of sedation used for dental visits. Also known as “laughing gas”, it is a low-risk treatment and is always provided in most dental offices. Dentists often will administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia during tooth extractions or fillings to reduce discomfort. Oral Sedation: This refers to swallowing a sedative in either pill or liquid form and could be combined with nitrous oxide wherein you would still be awake, but it may be heavier sedation than solely using nitrous oxide. Intravenous IV) Sedation: It is another standard method of treatment that is delivered directly to the bloodstream through a needle. Intravenous sedation takes effect quickly, and it has an advantage being that your dentist can control the dose. General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is a deeper level of sedation used during surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth extraction or jaw surgery. Like intravenous sedation, it is delivered directly to the bloodstream through a needle or inhaled.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Even as you may be nervous about your dental treatment, it is also not out of place if you are also worried about the safety of the sedation to be used for your dental procedure. Fortunately, there are minimal risks involved with the dental sedation methods described here, and your dentist will take several precautions to keep you safe during sedation. You’ll be asked about any medications you’re taking, and you may be advised to stop taking them for a certain time before your treatment. You will be monitored during your treatment in case your breathing slows and you need to be given oxygen. Dental sedation is not safe for pregnant women, and breastfeeding should be avoided for 12 hours after sedation. Safe Oral sedation dentistry in Calgary, for any dental procedure you need, is guaranteed when you visit our dentists in Calgary or any Board-certified dentist near you.

Dental fear is a condition that exists in many dental patients as they sit or wait to sit on a dentist’s chair. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your feelings of anxiety and fear. If you come from Calgary and happen to be among persons who experience fear or anxiety when going for dental procedures, Toothworks is a dental clinic you can visit to get sedation dentistry near you.

Definition of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a branch of dentistry that involves the administration of sedatives before and during dental procedures to help patients get comfortable and relaxed during treatments. Dentists in Calgary use sedatives when performing oral care services such as tooth extractions or cosmetic dentistry procedures. Patients who choose to be sedated will have no recollection of the undergone procedure, and neither will they have anxiety or fear in a dental chair.

The Different Types of Dental Sedation

1. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is ideal for people with dental anxieties when undergoing a moderately painful procedure. This sedation method can also benefit kids who have trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair. When this form of sedation is chosen, a gas mask is placed over the nose of the patient, and they are instructed to inhale the gas. Nitrous oxide was given the name “laughing gas” because it makes patients giggle. You should note that laughing gas will not put you to sleep. You will, however, feel comfortable throughout the process. Upon completion of your procedure, your dental practitioner will give you a mask containing a hundred percent oxygen. This helps to eliminate nitrous oxide from your system.

2. Oral Sedation

Pill sedation, or in other words, oral sedation, is one of the three types of sedation used by dental practitioners to keep patients calm during oral procedures. Unlike IV sedation (intravenous sedation) and nitrous oxide, this form of sedatives is taken in pill form hours before the appointment. Oral sedative drugs achieve their effects by reducing activities in the part of your brain that controls fear. Once the effects kick-in, the patient appears more relaxed and in a calm mood, thus allowing the dentist to do what he/she is supposed to effectively. Pros

• No needles involved – Most people who tend to have fear for a dentist also fear needles. Needles are usually used when IV sedation is being administered. When it comes to this sedation type, all you have to do is take the prescribed sedative orally sometime before the dental appointment.
• Responsive – All though patients under oral sedation feel drowsy, they tend to be responsive and awake during the treatment process and are thus able to clearly listen and properly respond to the dentist’s instructions.
• Administered easily – Of the three sedation types available, pill sedation is the one that’s easily administered because all the patient has to do is swallow the pill.
• Safe – Since the Canadian Dental Association has approved the use of oral sedatives, it is highly unlikely for one to experience any harmful side effects.
• Amnesia – When a strong dosage is given, the patients will barely remember the dental procedure’s proceeds.

Cons

• Its effects do not kick in immediately – The effects of nitrous oxide and IV sedation are quickly felt moments after they are administered. This is not the case when it comes to pill sedation, and that is why patients are required to ingest the pill in advance before seeing the dentist.
• A person under this medication cannot drive themselves to the appointment – Patients under oral sedative drugs are not supposed to drive themselves and are encouraged to find someone who will take them to and from the dentist’s office.

3. IV Sedation

IV sedation employs the use of IV to safely and effectively administer medications that will heavily sedate the dental patient. It is usually recommended during complex dental procedures such as oral surgery. Throughout this process, the patient is closely and continuously monitored by the team of practitioners. Sometimes, more medication can be administered to restore alertness or reduce the discomfort of the patient. Patients opting for this sedation method are not supposed to eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to the procedure. For more information about sedation dentistry, visit a certified dentist near you.

Most dental procedures require sedation. If you have undergone any dental procedure, you may have heard of sedation. Sedation dentistry is what makes most dental procedures possible. It calms down patients and enables the dentist to treat them. Sedation has helped many patients achieve optimal oral health. Knowing everything about sedation is important. It helps you know what to expect when you come in for any dental procedure. Having information about sedation will also go a long way in helping you overcome dental anxiety. This article aims at giving you all the important information you need about this dentistry branch.  Read on to find out more.

Sedation Dentistry Explained

This is a dentistry branch that aims at relaxing and calming down patients during dental procedures.  It also gives the dentist an easy time to treat you. Patients with dental anxiety and phobia are able to visit the dentist thanks to sedation dentistry. Without it, patients will skip dental visits. This will lead to poor dental health. Once patients know that sedation will keep them relaxed, they can get over their anxiety. Our NW Calgary dentist will talk to you about sedation when you visit the clinic.  You will be able to come back for your next dental visit without anxiety.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Patients who experience dental anxiety when in a dental setting require sedation. However, most dental procedures call for sedation even in patients without anxiety. You should talk to a dentist near you about sedation if you have dental anxiety. The dentist will help you get dental care and improve your dental health.

What are The Different Levels of Sedation?

There are four levels of sedation. We use these levels to help patients experience calmness during dental procedures. The four levels are minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Minimal Sedation We use this level of sedation for patients with low levels of dental anxiety. Our dentist can administer the sedative through inhalation or orally. You will be relaxed, but you will be awake, and you will be able to respond to physical stimulation. Moderate Sedation Patients with high dental anxiety levels are candidates for this level. You will respond to verbal commands when we use this level of sedation. We also use this level if patients need a lot of dental work. Deep Sedation We rarely use this level of sedation. Those patients with severe dental anxiety qualify for this level of sedation. We will also use deep sedation if the procedure is intense and will take time. You will require assistance to maintain a patent airway at this level. General Anesthesia We only use this level if the patient has severe dental phobia or is undergoing an intense surgery procedure.  In this level, you will be fully unconscious, and arousing you won’t be easy. You will also need help to maintain a patent airway in this level.

Types Of Sedation

There are several types of sedation we can use to calm you down. These are the common types of sedation we use. Inhaled Sedation You will inhale laughing gas with oxygen to help you relax. Talk to a sedation dentist in NW Calgary about this option if you have dental anxiety. The advantage of this option is that you will drive yourself home after the procedure. This is because this type of sedation takes a short time to wear off. IV Sedation In this option, we deliver the sedative through an IV line.  Its effect is quick, and our dentist will be able to moderate the dosage. With IV sedation, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. This because the sedative will take time to wear off. Oral Sedation We use this option to achieve minimal or moderate levels of sedation. For oral sedation, we will give you a pill to take an hour prior to the procedure. Most dental procedures need oral sedation to keep the patient calm and relaxed. General Anesthesia This option renders you completely unconscious.  We use general anesthesia for intense procedures that take time. At times we use both IV and inhaled gases for general anesthesia.

Many people are afraid of seeing the dentist and it’s not the fear of the unknown. While some people can be normal with dental appointments others can be anxious to the point of avoiding the dentist completely. For all those people who endure the pain instead of visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry near you can be a good option. When you have dental issues and the dentist has suggested you to undergo dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make the procedure easier. Sedation can be administered in several forms right from laughing gas to deep sedation. People who have never experienced sedation can be afraid and skeptical about it. However, dental sedation is a completely safe option, says the Calgary dentist.

Make Sure That Sedation Is Safe For You

If you are planning to get dental sedation for your next appointment, you need to first find out if you are the right candidate for sedation or not. While most people are fine with laughing gas, with oral sedation and sleep dentistry, the potential risk can increase.

• You need to make sure that the dentists are well-trained and experienced in offering various forms of dental sedation. Find out how often have they performed these types of sedation and are they prepared to tackle the situation if something goes wrong.

• Discuss your medical history in detail about the probable medications including supplements and vitamins. Some medications may not react well to dental sedation.

• If there are potential risks involved, the dentists must inform you in advance.

• When you are sedated, the dentists and staff the need to monitor the vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels all the time.

• Based on your health and age, the dentists should be able to tell you the appropriate dosage of sedation.

A good NW Calgary dentist will use the information provided by you for choosing the safest method of sedation and keep you safe while you are sedated.

Which is the Safest Method of Sedation?

According to the dentist in NW, Calgary, the safest dental sedation is based on the medical history and the medications that you are taking. Usually, laughing gas is considered the least invasive and the safest option. Oral sedation consists of anti-anxiety medication and is safe for many patients. IV sedation makes you semi-conscious and can come with some possible risks. When it is administered carefully, it is safe.

Every Person Responds Differently to Sedation

Everyone reacts differently to various types of sedation. Some people need little sedation to get knocked out and others may take full dose and not feel the procedure but stay awake for the entire procedure. Then some people don’t respond well to laughing gas and feel no change in anxiety or nervousness when taking oral sedation. Thus, the dentists should be able to figure out the safest option for you according to your condition.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

• It is a safe and effective way of relieving the fear and anxiety associated with visiting the dentists.
• Long dental procedures can be accomplished during a single visit.
• You can sleep soundly throughout the procedure.
• The patient has no awareness of the sight, sound, or smell during the procedure.
• Patients breathe on their own and there is no intubation.
• Patients with physical or medical handicaps can also be safely treated with sedation.
• Patients with behavioral issues can be treated.
• Patients will not be scared of getting a dental procedure done in the future.

IV Sedation is Ideal For

• Extremely anxious patients.
• Patients who have to undergo extensive dental procedures.
• People who are anxious about keeping the mouth open for long hours.
• Patients with a prolonged gag reflex.
• Patients having certain medical conditions.
• Physically or mentally compromised patients.
• Patients with traumatic dental experience in the past.
• People with extremely sensitive teeth.
• People who have difficulty getting numb.
• Patients with bad reactions to local anesthetics.
• People who have a time constraint and multiple procedures need to be completed within fewer visits.

According to the cosmetic dentist in NW Calgary, dental sedation is a good option for people who suffer from anxiety and are afraid to see the dentists.

Nobody particularly enjoys visiting the dentist’s office, but most people are able to tolerate necessary procedures like cleanings and tooth fillings. However, there are those whose anxiety towards visiting their dentist is so strong that they end up skipping appointments altogether. This can have severe consequences, especially if good oral hygiene is not practiced. Fortunately, oral sedation dentistry is available to help ease anxieties and create stress- and pain-free dental appointments. Here are a few signs that you could be a good candidate for oral sedation.

• Going to the dentist makes you extremely nervous.It’s estimated that up to 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of nervousness. If you’re part of this statistic, and you’re truly anxious about keeping a dental appointment, oral sedation could be a good option. It’s less overwhelming than IV sedation – leaving you conscious enough to give responses during your appointment – but provides enough sedation to make you unaware of the sound of drills or any pain.
• Dental work is typically painful for you.Dentists try to minimize discomfort and pain during procedures as much as possible, but some people are particularly sensitive, especially in the gums. These people will avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the associated pain.
• You’re bothered by the sounds and smells of the dentist’s office, or you have a strong gag reflex.Some people naturally have a strong gag reflex, which can make it difficult for dentists to perform necessary procedures. Others find the sensory experiences (sounds and smells) of the dentist’s office extremely off-putting, almost unbearable.
• You want to be sedated, but still conscious.If you want stronger sedation than nitrous oxide but fear the feeling of being fully unconscious and/or have a fear of needles (required with IV sedation), oral sedation offers a good medium.
• You plan to have a long procedure.Short or fairly straightforward procedures such as fillings or crowns do involve some pain or discomfort, but it’s mostly tolerable. However, more complex or intensive procedures can make anyone nervous, and oral sedation can help keep patients calm throughout the treatment.