3 Dental Sedation Options From Your St. Albert Dentist’s Office
For some dental patients, thoughts of previous bad experiences remain. Other people expect pain and discomfort no matter who they see. For others, just the smell of a sterile office can be unsettling.
Did you know that up to 20% of patients are dental phobic? And at least 50% of people have qualms about dental visits? If you’re one of them, have a fearful family member, or know of someone who continually avoids “going to the dentist,” one of our dental sedation options may be the answer.
In one study, 90% of patients who experienced fearfulness about dentistry felt more comfortable with sedation. As a St. Albert dentist who always welcomes new patients and is passionate about helping our current patients-of-record, we look forward to making your visit to Green Grove Dental relaxing, comfortable, and memorable for all the right reasons.
Our team is proud to help put patients at ease with:
- oral sedation
- IV sedation
- nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
About oral sedation
Oral sedation is a medication that reduces mild to moderate levels of anxiety and fear of dental care – ideal for adult patients who are dental phobic or whose anxiety level rises to uncomfortable levels at just the thought of “going to the dentist.” Oral sedation is usually administered in pill form, and it is available only with a prescription from us. The medication reduces and even eliminates anxiety and fear of dental visits.
How it makes dental patients feel
It will effectively relax you. You won’t be unconscious, so you can communicate effectively and easily follow instructions during your appointment. This is why oral sedation is often called “conscious sedation.” If you’re like many of our patients who find that, to their surprise and delight, they doze lightly in the dental chair, you’ll be very relaxed.
Other benefits of oral dental sedation include:
- easily administered via a pill (no needles)
- reduces memory of past dental treatments
- increased comfort
- increased sense of control over your fears
- greater ease undergoing long treatments
- reduced gag reflex
- multiple procedures completed in fewer visits
- safe & effective
- amnesic effect.
With incredible efficiency and beautiful esthetics, all of your 32 natural teeth are designed to help you chew and smile with incredible efficiency and confidence. At Green Grove Dental, we’re thrilled that crowns and bridges were invented so that we can fully restore damaged and missing teeth to their maximum beauty and performance.
About IV sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation, sometimes called monitored anesthesia, is a type of sedation that administers drugs to you through a vein. Depending on your treatment, the amount of anesthetic will range from a minimal amount so that you feel drowsy to enough to make you “sleep” through your appointment.
But in advance, when we’re discussing your treatment plan, we’ll talk with you about your level of fear and the sedation level you prefer. As your dentist in St. Albert, we may ask that you fast for several hours prior, and we’ll review your medications to be aware of any possible interactions with the sedation medication. Everything will be determined and reviewed thoroughly in advance, so you’ll know what to expect.
You will be monitored continuously while under anesthesia, and we’ll be there for you before and after your treatment so that you have the maximum emotional and physical comfort level.
What happens after treatment?
If you choose IV sedation for your dental care, you’ll need someone to take you home from your appointment. You will not have the ability to drive as your concentration and coordination will be dull for several hours afterward.
About nitrous oxide
You may know nitrous oxide as laughing gas and it is one of the safest forms of sedation available. Nearly everyone can use this mild, fast-acting, non-allergenic gas.
Nitrous oxide sedation is also called “conscious sedation” because it does not make you sleep or block your memory. Instead, it will quickly relax you while we do our work. You will have full control, be awake, and you’ll have no difficulty responding to us.
How we safely administer laughing gas to patients
Administering laughing gas is easy and comfortable too! You’ll wear a light mask over your nose that provides the nitrous oxide. You’ll notice the calming effect almost immediately. Patients have also reported feeling light-headed and euphoric. There may be tingling or heaviness in your arms and legs. During your treatment, we’ll adjust the dosage to ensure your comfort.
Laughing gas only lasts as long as the mask is on your face. Just before your dental treatment is complete, our St. Albert dental team will lower the gas level and increase the amount of oxygen. You’ll be “back to normal” before you leave our chair.
What can you do before visiting your dentist in St. Albert?
Besides benefiting from our dental sedation options, there are a few things you can do before your appointment to reduce anxiety. They include:
- Eat protein one hour beforehand to stabilize blood sugar.
- Go to bed early the night before.
- Play soothing music on your iPod while in the dental chair.
- Practice breathing meditation.
Dental fear can be debilitating. But it doesn’t have to be with dental sedation options and warm care from our friendly team. If you’re worried about your upcoming appointment, call now. Our St. Albert dental team will welcome your questions about sedation and provide you with the comfort you need to get the dental care you want.
