Many people – perhaps more than you realize – feel anxious or frightened about visiting the dentist. To address such a widespread issue, sedation dentistry was born. Though the roots of this type of oral health care can be traced back to the 1800s, the techniques that we employ today are much more effective and minimally invasive.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, then receiving sedation dentistry near you may be just the solution for you. For more information about sedation dentistry in Wetaskiwin, connect with our local dental practice!
Forms of Sedation Dentistry
The needs and preferences of every patient are different, and this includes the types of treatment that they’re comfortable with. Fortunately, there are a few different forms of sedation dentistry available to you, so that you can be as comfortable as possible.
Nitrous oxide sedation.
Nitrous oxide is most commonly referred to by its colloquial name “laughing gas”. And though it doesn’t cause you to erupt in a giggle fit, it does enhance the feeling of elation inside your body, therefore helping you relax.
Patients receive this type of sedation by breathing it in through a mask that covers their nose and mouth. It doesn’t put you to sleep; you’ll remain lucid but won’t experience any pain.
Effects: The effects of laughing gas wear off quite quickly. You’ll be able to drive yourself home and get back to your day after your appointment ends.
Oral sedation.
Oral sedation is slightly stronger than nitrous oxide. It’s administered in the form of a pill that you must take either the night before or the morning of your appointment. You won’t be put to sleep, but you’ll most likely feel extremely drowsy – some patients do, eventually end up nodding off into a light sleep, but they’re easily roused.
Effects: Most patients won’t remember much of their treatment. You’ll need a friend or family member to take you home afterward since you’ll still be feeling pretty woozy. The effects can last up to 24 hours before wearing off completely.
Deep sedation.
Deep sedation entails putting patients to sleep. Your dentist in Wetaskiwin will administer the sedation medication through an IV in your arm. During the treatment, your vitals will be closely monitored.
Effects: You won’t remember your appointment and will certainly need someone to drive you home from the dental clinic.
General anesthesia.
General anesthesia is routinely used within a hospital setting when surgeries are performed. In order to provide this type of sedation, dentists must receive the proper training. A certified anesthesiologist may be brought in to assist during the treatment too.
Effects: You will be rendered fully unconscious, and it may take a couple of minutes for you to wake up. You won’t remember your dental appointment at all.
Prior to undergoing any form of dental care, whether sedative in nature or not, it’s important that you book an initial consultation with your dentist first. They will discuss your medical history and examine your mouth to better understand your current dental situation. If you are indeed interested in receiving dental sedation, they will be able to recommend the best form for you.
Have questions or concerns about sedation dental methods? No problem! Speak to one of our team members today!
Schedule a Visit at Wetaskiwin Family Dental Today!
Everyone has the right to access quality dental care. Your emotions shouldn’t stand in the way of you getting the treatment you need to remedy your smile. At Wetaskiwin Family Dental, we offer sedation or sleep dentistry to all our patients who need it. Our dentist near you will be more than happy to assist you however they can.
Don’t hesitate! Visit our company website, give us a call, or stop by our location at 5116 51 Avenue, Wetaskiwin AB, to get started!