If you have a fear of going to the dentist, sedation dentistry can help you overcome dental anxiety. Understanding how this works and how to prepare can help you determine whether sedation in dentistry is right for you. If you are looking to access the care you need without fear getting in the way, we can help.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is designed for patients who need help staying calm during their appointment with the Dentist.. It can be used for a variety of procedures, from general cleanings to more complex dental work.
Preparing for Your Sedated Dental Appointment
Drink Water
The day before your appointment, it’s important to drink plenty of water.
Drinking 8 glasses of water beforehand will help your body stay hydrated during your procedure.
However, you CANNOT drink water 2 hours prior to this appointment, so drinking beforehand and further in advance is a must!
Always ensure you follow your dentist’s pre-care instructions.
Empty Your Stomach
This means nothing after midnight on the day of your procedure, or earlier depending on your dentist’s instructions.
IV Sedation: Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to dental procedure apart from water and clear fluids until 2 hours before your appointment time.
Come Comfortable
Depending on the length of your procedure and type of sedation, it’s best to be comfortable. Wear loose fitting clothing, sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow,
Contact lenses and jewelry must be removed at the time of appointment
Bring a Buddy
In most cases of dental sedation (other than nitrous oxide), you’re unable to operate a vehicle after your appointment and you will need a family member/close friend to help you commute back home. Bring your buddy!
Clear Your Schedule
Even if you have a simple procedure, sedation may put you out for the day. Arrange time off from work or school as you will need time to rest, recover and heal.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an inhaled form of sedation.
You may have used laughing gas if you’ve ever had a root canal or cavity. Laughing gas is very safe and rarely has complications. It can help you relax, but you’re still conscious during your procedure.
Some benefits of laughing gas include:
- Least invasive (inhaled sedation)
- Effects wear off quickly
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation uses pills to help relax you.
You’ll likely feel quite drowsy. Oral sedation is also referred to as “conscious sedation” because you’re still able to respond to your dentist during the procedure. Even though you’re awake, it’s best to have someone to take you to and from your appointment as it’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep.
Some benefits of oral sedation include:
- Easy to take - the pill takes about 30 minutes to kick in.
- Helps you relax without “knocking you out”
IV Dental Sedation or Sleep Sedation
IV sedation is taken directly into the bloodstream, intravenous or through the IV.
This is typically only recommended for patients who have extreme dental anxiety or special needs. IV sedation can cause slurred speech and memory loss. It’s mandatory you have someone to take you to and from your dental appointment after IV sedation. With IV sedation the dentist or EMT will be monitoring your vitals.
Some benefits of IV sedation include:
- Works fast & minimizes discomfort during your appointment
- Allows the dentist to complete all work needed at once
- Helps patients by completing all work needed with no anxiety or discomfort
Are You a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
You may be a good candidate for dental sedation if:
- You have moderate to severe dental anxiety
- You need extensive dental work done
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You have a hard time keeping your mouth open for long periods of time
- Sitting still for too long is difficult for you
We can help you determine if sedation dentistry is right for you. We’ll perform a thorough health evaluation and make our recommendations based on your needs. Our priority is your safety.
When you need dental sedation at Green Grove Dental, you can select any number of choices off of our Comfort Menu to help you relax. We have warm blankets, headphones, Netflix, and other tools to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Please give us a call to help determine if sedation dentistry is right for you. Our priority here at Green Grove is to ensure you're as comfortable as possible while completing all the dental work you need. Your health is important so please let us help and don’t neglect the dentist due to fear. Book an appointment with us today.