General Dentist Airdrie
Sedation Dentistry

Does the thought of going to the dentist make you feel queasy? Don’t feel alone because dental phobia, or fear of the dental chair, is reported to occur in up 75% of people to some degree. Overcoming your fear would be a great accomplishment but perhaps Dental Sedation at Bayside Dental & Orthodontics is a more realistic option. It can help you manage your anxiety and allow you to get the dental care you need.

Am I A Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry may be the right option for you if you’ve experienced any of the following points:

What is Sedation Dentistry?

With Sedation Dentistry, our dentists gives you sedatives to make you relaxed, easy and calm. Sedatives range from mild to moderate in their effect and may be given by our Airdrie dentists in one of two ways:

1. intravenous (IV) sedation;
2. oral sedation

IV Sedation is an effective and safe way to provide moderate sedative effects. IV sedation has some unique benefits:

• IV sedation drugs are administered directly into the bloodstream so they have an immediate effect
• Our dentists can tailor the dosage of IV delivered sedatives to the individual patient and can administer drugs to counteract the sedation drugs and thereby wake the patient at the appropriate time
• In general, IV sedation tends to produce a deeper level of sedation than oral sedatives.

Oral Sedation Dentistry is often requested at our Airdrie dentist use to allow patients to manage of their fears. For this method, oral sedatives are taken in pill form.

• Oral sedation patients typically report feeling comfortable and remembering little of the treatment, as if they had slept through the treatment.
• Despite the experience of sleeping through the procedure, Oral Sedation Dentistry patients actually maintain a level of consciousness which allows them to follow their dentist’s instructions during the procedure.

What type of Sedation Dentistry is best for me?

To find out which Sedation Dentistry method is best for you, it is important to disclose any past drug use or current medical conditions you have. Our Airdrie dentists can then select an appropriate method for you. We advise you bring a detailed list of your medical history, including any medications and supplements you are taking, to the pre-treatment consultation.

Is Sedation Dentistry safe?

Sedation Dentistry is considered very safe. Our dentists are required to use monitoring equipment during the procedure, including a pulse oximeter and oxygen equipment. Dentists are also required to have reversal medication agents on hand in the rare case that patients have an adverse reaction to the sedatives.

Is sleep dentistry the same as Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has sometimes been referred to as sleep dentistry, but this can be misleading. In Sedation Dentistry, you may feel sleepy but you are not actually asleep. Also, the term sleep dentistry is sometimes connected to the use of general anesthesia, which is not considered Sedation Dentistry.

Summary

• It’s Safe: You will not be unconscious, but will only be in a deeply relaxed state. No intravenous tubes or needles are required.
• It’s Pain-Free: You will feel no pain while in the dental chair, and you will have little to no memory of the experience.
• It’s Flexible: Depending on the treatment you require and the level of sedation achieved, it can help you remain relaxed for two to six hours.
• Complex Dental Treatments can be completed in Just One Visit: You can have crowns or bridges replaced, veneers cemented, numerous fillings done, a professional cleaning completed with our hygienist, or numerous teeth extracted; all while you remain comfortably relaxed.

Your dental visit does not need be a painful or stressful experience. Contact us and find out how oral sedation may work for you.