Sedation Dentistry Near You
Do you avoid the dentist like the plague? Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair make your heart race and your hands sweaty? Has this fear kept you from receiving the dental care you need? If you answered yes to any of those questions, sedation dentistry may be the solution you are looking for. Inglewood Family Dental takes dental anxiety into consideration and works with you to find the solution so that you can have the dental treatment you need. Schedule an appointment with our Calgary dentist to learn more.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medications in order to relax patients and calm their nerves during dental procedures. Various levels of sedation are available and vary depending on the dental procedure you require. If you suffer from dental anxiety and are looking for a new dentist, be sure to ask if the new dental office provides sedation for dental procedures.
What Types of Sedation Are Available?
When it comes to sedation dentistry in Calgary, there are three types of sedation offered at Inglewood Family Dental.
Inhaled minimal sedation uses nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” This gas is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. The gas provides relaxation during the procedure, but you are still conscious. The dentist can control the amount you receive during the procedure and the effects wear off quickly so once the procedure is over, you are typically allowed to drive home.
Oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate levels, depending on the dose. Oral sedation is a pill that makes you relaxed and drowsy and, in cases of more moderate sedation, may even make you groggy enough to fall asleep during the procedure.
Intravenous sedation is a moderate sedation where the sedative is administered through an IV in the vein. This is like oral sedation but goes to work more quickly and the level of sedation can be adjusted by the dentist during the procedure.
Can I Have Sedation for Dental Work?
Sedation dentistry is typically reserved for patients that suffer with dental fear and anxiety, though there are other times when sedation is considered and used. If you suffer with a low pain threshold, sometimes minimal sedation can help the dentist complete a procedure. For children or adults that are unable to sit still in a dental chair, mild sedation can relax them enough for the dentist to do what he needs to do. If a patient has extremely sensitive teeth or a strong gag reflex, sedation can make the dental procedure easier on both the patient and the dentist. If you are needing a large amount of dental work, often sedation is used to make it easier on you to undergo the treatments.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
While sedation dentistry is generally safe, as with any form of sedation, there is always some risk. Finding a Calgary dentist qualified to administer sedation is important. Before scheduling a procedure, your dentist will talk to you and go over your medical history. Things like obesity and obstructive sleep apnea can affect sedation and will be addressed. Your vitals will be monitored during the dental procedure and the dentist will have oxygen and reversal drugs on hand should a complication arise.
Local Anesthesia is Still Used with Sedation Dentistry
While sedation dentistry relaxes the body and helps deal with anxiety, local anesthesia is still used with most dental procedures. Local anesthesia is the numbing agent injected into the gums to numb the tissue and reduce pain during the procedure.
If you are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry to see if it is right for you, call us at (403) 265-5888 to request your sedation dentistry consultation at Inglewood Family Dental today!
FAQ’s About Sedation Dentistry
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
At Inglewood Family Dental, we follow the 2022 Alberta Fee Guide so there should not be any out of pocket expense for necessary dental treatment typically covered by insurance. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (403) 265-5888.
What Does Sedation Mean at The Dentist?
Sedation dentistry is when there is medication used to help you relax while you are having a procedure done. It is also known as sleep dentistry even though that is not the most accurate way to word it. In most cases patients are awake unless those who chose or need to be put under general anesthesia.
What Does Oral Sedation Feel Like?
Oral sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist. Everyone reacts differently and it all depends on the amount you are given. You will start to feel a calming effect, a small amount of amnesia, drowsiness and tingling sensations. During all of this you remain conscious and are able to react to requests from your dentist.
