In case the idea of visiting our dentist in Edmonton sparks fear in you, there are different ways we can make everything more comfortable. It does not have to be nerve-wracking. We want to make the experience as pleasant as possible. One possible method that we can use would be sedation dentistry. Sedatives are commonly used for patients who deal with dental anxiety to help them relax during treatment procedures.
Key Facts about Sedation Dentistry in Edmonton
Half of the people in Canada have a severe case of dental anxiety. This dental phobia can cause you to neglect your oral health and cancel dental appointments. Whether you are afraid of a simple teeth cleaning or if you are going through a surgical procedure, sedation dentistry will make things more comfortable and manageable.
How Sedation Dentistry Medication Helps Patients Relax
During sedation dentistry procedures, the dentist will be administering medication that will ease patient anxiety. Sedation involves various levels of consciousness that you should discuss in advance with your dentist in Edmonton.
- Minimal Sedation-During minimal sedation, you will remain awake but will be completely relaxed. This can be administered through a nitrous oxide mask that will be placed on your nose. This allows the dentist to have total control of how much sedation the patient receives. The potency of the sedatives will wear off at the end of the treatment. You will be perfectly capable of driving back home. In some cases, sedatives can also be in the form of an oral pill.
- Moderate Sedation-This is also referred to as conscious sedation. During this process, patients will not always remember the entire procedure. The dentist will wake you up by gently shaking your body. The medication will be administered through your veins via IV sedation. This also allows the dentist to control the level of the sedatives throughout the procedure.
- General Anesthesia-Patients will be completely unconscious during the dental procedure. You will have to wait until the medication wears off before returning home.
Safety Measures in Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry in Edmonton is not only effective; it is also safe when administered properly. Our licensed and trained dentist will be administering the sedatives. They will continuously monitor the level of sedatives as well as the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure. Our dentist will review the medical history of patients and determine if sedation dentistry is a suitable option. This sedation approach is also safe for children who are anxious to remain seated during an entire dental procedure.
Sedation Benefits Beyond Dental Anxiety Treatment
Based on reports, at least 10% of the world’s population has dental phobia. There are estimates that 40%-75% have anxiety and fear of dentistry. This fear has been the reason for the cancellation of dental treatments and avoidance of appointments.
The root cause behind this dental phobia is currently unknown. For people that have this condition, the dentist in Edmonton will recommend seeking sedation dentistry. However, the following patients can also benefit from this type of treatment:
- Children who refuse to cooperate and are afraid of dental procedures.
- Patients who have trouble remaining still during the treatment.
- People who have a lower pain tolerance threshold.
- Those who have an extremely active gag reflex.
- Patients who need to go through extensive and invasive dental treatments.
Difference Between Sedatives and Anesthetics
Most people believe that anesthetics and sedatives are similar medications. However, that is not entirely accurate. These are two different types of drugs with distinct purposes. Sedatives are meant to help the patient enter a relaxed state of consciousness. On the other hand, anesthetics are intended to completely eliminate your senses and consciousness.
If the dentist chooses to administer general anesthesia, expect that you will remain unconscious during the entire procedure. If sedatives have been used instead, you will remain awake and aware, but you will be very relaxed and comfortable.
Creating a Comfortable Dental Environment
To ensure that our patients will remain comfortable during a dental checkup, we are dedicated to providing them with a pleasant and soothing environment. The amenities that we offer apart from the expertise of our dentist in Edmonton are the reasons behind our satisfied patients. They are confident in recommending our dental services to their friends and family members. Your dental visit should not be filled with anxiety and fear. Our sedation dentistry combined with our friendly staff members and welcoming environment will ensure your entire process will be pain-free and worry-free.
