Wondering What Sedation Dentistry Is Like?

If you’re someone who would rather be anywhere else in the world than the dentist’s office, don’t worry—you aren’t alone! Many patients these days suffer from dental-related anxiety, making even simple dental checkups and cleanings a hassle! But fortunately, sedation dentistry is the perfect answer to this. Keep reading to learn a little more from your sedation dentist in Edmonton about this awesome advancement in oral care including some of the available methods and what they’re like.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves sedating a patient for dental treatment, and it’s most commonly used to address dental-related anxiety. However, it also has a variety of other applications including assisting with long or complex oral procedures, helping patients who struggle to remain seated, and easing the comfort of patients with limited mouth mobility. It’s become quite popular and widely available, and it ultimately allows for a smoother and more pleasant experience for both the patient and their dentist.

What Are Some Available Sedation Methods?

Three of the most commonly used sedation methods include:

• Nitrous oxide sedation – Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to instill a deeply relaxed and euphoric state in patients. It’s mild but effective and allows patients to remain calm but also conscious and alert during treatment. When the procedure is over, the effects wear off within a few minutes.
• Oral conscious sedation – This usually involves taking medication before your appointment so that by the time you sit down in your dentist’s chair, you’ll feel totally relaxed and ready for your treatment. This state of relaxation is deeper than what nitrous oxide provides, but you won’t completely doze off. The effects usually last for a few hours after the procedure.
• IV sedation – This is for extreme cases of dental-phobia or more intensive treatment and offers the deepest form of relaxation. The medicine is injected directly into your bloodstream and begins working quickly. You will still be awake and responsive, but you probably won’t remember much from the appointment afterwards. It will probably take you the rest of the day to recover from the effects of IV sedation, and you will definitely need a ride home!

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

You don’t have to suffer from dental-related anxiety to received sedation dentistry; anyone is eligible, assuming their dentist gives the okay. They will want to evaluate your overall health and oral needs, but for most patients, sedation is a safe and viable option. There is also often little preparation needed to receive sedation dentistry (aside from sometimes taking medicine prior to your appointment), and many dentists offer all or some combination of sedation methods.

If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, don’t disqualify yourself until you’ve spoked with your dentist about your eligibility. It’s an awesome solution that has assisted many patients with receiving the dental care they need, and you might greatly benefit from it too!

About the Practice

Sherbrooke Family Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Edmonton area under the leadership of Dr. Dalal Fawzi, Dr. Hanin Musbah, and Dr. Alaa Musbah. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including sedation dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation dentistry or would like to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or by phone:  +1 780-455-8124.