Dental Sedation: What they are and how they work

For those who are feeling anxious when visiting a dentist near you, we have good news for you. Dental sedation may be the answer to your anxiety.

You can feel at ease and relaxed during your dental visit by using one of the many conscious sedation techniques available. Throughout all of your dental procedures, it makes you feel comfortable, at ease, and peaceful. Most often, moderate sedation is used, so you are practically conscious but carefree. Because it induces a brief amnesic state in which you are pain-insensitive without losing consciousness, it is sometimes referred to as "conscious sedation dentistry." 

Our dentist at Cowichan Valley sedation dentistry in Duncan helps all our patients get the care they need and ensures every visit is a pleasant one.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering sedatives to patients during dental treatment. It helps you feel calm instead of getting anxious during the surgery. It could be applied to both noninvasive and invasive procedures. The frequency of sedation given to you varies between moderate, mild, and deep. It usually depends on the treatment performed and also on your state of mind.    

Different Types of Sedation     

Sedation dentistry in South Edmonton will administer sedation depending on your specific requirements. The different characteristics include your anxiety level, health history, and procedure. Here are the three most common types of sedation:

• Oral Sedation

Before the procedure, your dentist will provide you with a pill that you must take, known as oral sedation. It is a type of conscious sedation that will allow you to answer questions without any problem. However, you won't experience any pain. 

This sedation might make you feel dizzy, and you may even fall asleep. It will temporarily affect your memory and motor skills, so it is advisable to bring someone with you to the clinic to drive you home. 

• Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is also known as nitrous oxide. This form of sedation is given in the form of gas, which the patient will have to breathe in through a nosepiece or a mask. The effect will begin within 5 minutes. Your dentist will sedate you as necessary once the procedure has started and continues. 

Your dentist will administer pure oxygen to help your body rid itself of nitrous oxide after the procedure is finished. You can drive yourself home following the process because the laughing gas will leave your body quickly.

• IV Sedation

Patients who are anxious about needles should consider IV sedation. Your first dose of nitrous oxide is administered to calm you down before the sedation process begins. The IV will be placed by your dentist once you feel comfortable. Within a few minutes, you will be relaxed enough to move ahead with the treatment. 

Nevertheless, you will be awake through the process and can easily answer and follow the essential instructions given to you by your dentist. The sedation reacts differently to each individual. Some people remember very little of the time they are sedated until the effect wears off.

What happens after Sedation Dentistry?

The type of sedation used determines the aftereffects. Unless you pick nitrous oxide, you will need someone to take you home after your procedure. It is because you will need to rest once the sedation medication wears off. 

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation dentistry is given to patients with mild, moderate, or severe dental phobias or anxiety. It is a good choice for those who are suffering from anxiety. These are just a few of the numerous advantages of sedation:

• No more gagging

Some dental treatments require probing the deep oral cavity. This typically causes a gag reflex and slows down the progress of dental work. Furthermore, it may cause you significant harm. Thus, with the help of sedation, this problem is solved, and the dentist can work with some relief. 

• No dental anxiety

Dental sedation is a boon for people who are afraid of going to the dentist. Due to fear, many people avoid even visiting the dentist. However, with sedation dentistry near you, you can say goodbye to your dental phobias. Thus, you can have a relaxing atmosphere in the dentist’s chair.

• Painless procedures

In order to get painless dental treatments, sedation is used. Especially to those who are scared of dental tools. While sedated, the brain does not register any pain stimuli, making the treatments essentially painless and hassle-free. 

• Immediate dental procedures

Even dentists can benefit from sedation dentistry. When patients are put at ease, it will result in fewer disruptions. As a result, the procedure can be completed more quickly,  and the likelihood of any problems is decreased. Since the patient won't move around much, it will also lead to extremely efficient dental work. 

Finding a Dentist in Duncan

This is what dental sedation is, and this is how it works. Your dentist will suggest sedation based on the treatment you are getting. However, it is your duty to let your dentist know if you are taking any medication and your medical history. 

Do not let your fear prevent you from visiting the dental office. If you are looking for a dentist in Duncan, you can reach our Cowichan Valley dental group. Our dentist will help you, so you don’t have to be anxious while sitting in the dental chair. Reach out to us and get your smile back!