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Dental treatment procedures may sometimes cause pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Sedation dentistry aims at providing you with maximum comfort and peace of mind during your treatment.
Sedation is generally recommended for patients who suffer from dental anxiety and the ones who need to go through lengthy procedures, or those who suffer from sensitive gag reflex. There are different types of sedation methods, such as IV sedation, nitrous or laughing gas, and oral conscious sedation.
All these sedation dentistry options create only a state of deep relaxation and do not put you to sleep so that you are conscious during the procedure and can follow instructions when necessary. Depending on your treatment and your level of anxiety, your dentist may administer one of these forms of sedation. At Smile Garden, we emphasize your convenience and satisfaction before, during, and after your dental treatment.
Different Types of Sedation
There are numerous forms of sedative dental techniques used to relieve patients’ pain and to calm their nerves. Based on the type and length of your treatment procedure, your level of dental anxiety, your health background and history, and even your personal preference, you may opt for a different option for sedation dentistry. The most commonly used forms of sedation include intravenous (IV) sedation, oral conscious sedation, and nitrous oxide gas.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is the strongest form of conscious sedation dentistry administered in a dental office. If you receive IV sedation, the dentist will inject sedative medications directly into your bloodstream via a tube. This will put you under deep hibernation in a way that you fall asleep and have almost no memory of the procedure. However, the dosage of the sedatives is adjustable and can be controlled using reversal medication.
During the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level, will be constantly observed by the dentist to make sure you do not experience pain and discomfort. This method can be used for treatments such as dental implants or other types of oral surgery.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation dentistry includes taking sedative pills like triazolam, which is in the diazepam family, or zaleplon and lorazepam about an hour into the dental treatment procedure. For young children, these sedatives are often presented in syrup form to be more pleasant.
After they take effect, the pills put you in a calm and relaxed state so that you no longer feel any pain but still be able to follow instructions and take necessary actions. Since you will be drowsy and the medications may slow down your nervous system, it is better to ask your friends and family to give you a ride home.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide or laughing and happy gas is another form of anesthetics administered to patients to relieve their pain and eliminate their anxiety. During sedation with nitrous gas, you will inhale the gas through a nosepiece for about two to five minutes to feel the soothing effects.
This type of sedation dentistry also creates a groggy mood and affects your short-term memory of the treatment session. Nitrous gas does not make you unconscious, and the dosage is controllable by adjusting the amount of gas you inhale. After the procedure, the dentist will let you inhale pure oxygen for a few minutes for the anesthetic effect to gradually fade away.
The Possible Risks
Dental treatment procedures performed under different types of sedation are generally safe and do not pose any threat or cause any discomfort. Yet, they might sometimes entail a few mild side effects, which will wear off after a short while.
These side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slight headache
- Drowsiness
- In some rare cases, more acute signs such as allergic reactions
Also, bear in mind that any form of sedation must be administered in a professional environment since the dosage should be controlled throughout the process of treatment, and failing to predict the effects of sedatives may threaten patients’ health.
Our professional team of dentists at Smile Garden Dental works hard to provide you and your family with the most convenient experience of dental treatment. If you are searching for a dental office with multiple sedation options, we look forward to meeting you at our office.
Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Consultation in The Junction Toronto Today
Don’t let dental phobia or fear of the dentist prevent you from getting the care you need. At Smile Garden Dental in The Junction Toronto, we offer safe, effective sedation dentistry and oral sedation options to help anxious patients receive comfortable dental treatment. Whether you experience mild nervousness or severe dental anxiety, our compassionate team will customize your sedation plan for a stress-free experience.
Contact our dental clinic in The Junction Toronto today to schedule your consultation.
