Dental anxiety is a common problem that affects many people and can prevent them from receiving necessary dental care. This fear and nervousness can stem from past negative experiences, a fear of needles or drills, or simply a general fear of the unknown. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a solution to help individuals receive the dental care they need in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
Portrait Dental understands the impact of dental phobias. To help our patients achieve their best smiles, we’ll cover how sedation dentistry is used in this article. It’s a useful tool for those struggling to feel comfortable in our offices.
So keep reading to find out the ins and out of sedation dentistry in the GTA!
Overcome Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can be an effective solution for patients who experience dental anxiety. It allows patients to receive the care they need without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Additionally, it is considered safe. With most treatments, the sedative effects can be easily controlled and adjusted as needed, according to the patient’s needs.
It is important to note that not all patients are candidates for sedation dentistry. Therefore, it is best to consult with a dentist to determine if it is an appropriate option for you. Your dentist will also make sure to inform you about any precautions and side effects. To help the process, make sure you will be accompanied by someone to take you home after the procedure.
Your Dental Phobia Holds You Back
Sedation dentistry is a solution for individuals who suffer from dental phobia, a severe fear of visiting the dentist. This type of dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during procedures, making it possible for them to receive the care they need without feeling anxious or panicked. With sedation dentistry, patients can overcome their dental phobia and maintain good oral health.
Keep reading to find out more about how sedation works and if you might be a good candidate. If you are one of the many people who are afraid of going to the dentist, ask your dentist about the following sedation options. These treatments can help you to feel at ease during your appointments, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your teeth and gums.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. There are several types of sedation used in dentistry, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. We’ll cover some basic information here so you can prepare!
Oral
Oral sedation involves taking a small pill prior to the appointment, which helps to relax the patient and decrease their level of anxiety. The patient remains awake with a variable level of alertness depending on the medicine used. Frequently used medications for this type of sedation dentistry include Ativan and Xanax.
Gas
This type of sedation uses nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. When inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose, the level of sedation can be controlled more accurately. This provides a mild sedation that allows the patient to stay awake and responsive throughout the procedure.
IV
IV Sedation is the strongest form of sedation offered by the dental office, it is given via an IV. The patient is in a sleep-like state and doesn’t remember anything about the procedure.
How is Sedation Used in Dentistry?
While you are the decision-maker when it comes to treatments and techniques used, there are a handful of treatments and situations where dental sedation is particularly useful. Let’s take a look at a couple of scenarios where that’s the case:
- Sedation dentistry can be used for complex dental procedures such as extractions, root canals, and oral surgery.
- For patients who have a fear or phobia of the dentist, or for those who have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Sedation dentistry can be used to help patients who have difficulty sitting still or controlling movement during dental procedures.
- It can also be useful when performing multiple dental procedures in a single appointment, allowing patients to complete their dental work more efficiently.
- Also, sedation can be used to help patients who have difficulty getting numb or have had bad experiences with dental work in the past.
- It can also be useful for patients who need extensive dental work or have a hard time managing pain during dental procedures.
- It’s useful for children, who may have difficulty sitting still for an extended period of time during dental procedures.
- Sedation dentistry can be beneficial for people with special needs, who may require extra care and attention during dental procedures.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of applications that will help you overcome dental anxiety. And even if your case was not mentioned in this list, you can discuss your sedation needs with us. Just give us a call at 416 534 6000. We’re more than happy to discuss anything you’ll need for your next appointment with Portrait Dental.
Get the Best Dentists in the GTA
Dental anxiety is a common problem that can prevent individuals from receiving necessary dental care. Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution by helping patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. If you’re someone who experiences dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry as an option for your next appointment.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to overcoming dental anxiety, check out our article here. We cover everything from why it occurs, to what you can do about it beyond sedation.
Portrait Dental is here to meet your every dental need. Whether it’s making you more comfortable in our luxurious offices or keeping you informed, we’re here to deliver the best results. So don’t be afraid to get in touch with us. Our expert team is waiting to make your dreams of a better smile, a reality.