If you feel nervous or afraid when visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be something to consider. It’s a way to help patients relax during dental treatments. Sedation can make your dental visit more comfortable and less stressful. But, before deciding if sedation dentistry near McKenzie Towne is right for you, it’s important to understand both the benefits and risks.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is where the dentist prescribes a medication to calm the patient during treatment. The purpose is to alleviate the stress and have a comfortable visit to the dentist. The following are the various types of sedation: Minimal sedation allows you to stay awake and aware of what’s happening during the procedure, while deep sedation makes you unconscious, so you have no memory of the procedure.
There are several types of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): You breathe in a gas that makes you feel relaxed and happy.
- Oral sedation: You take a pill that makes you feel calm or sleepy.
- IV sedation: Medication is given through an IV to make you more relaxed or drowsy.
- General anesthesia: You are completely asleep during the procedure.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Helps Reduce Anxiety: Many people are afraid of the dentist. Sedation dentistry can help them feel calm and relaxed. If you have a fear of dental treatments, sedation might help you face the dentist without feeling nervous.
- Makes Procedures More Comfortable: Some dental treatments can be uncomfortable, especially if they take a long time. If you take sedatives, then some physical or emotional discomfort will be reduced. It may be useful when procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, deep scaling, root planning, and more are being conducted.
- Faster Treatment: With sedation, patients are less likely to move during procedures. This can speed up and smooth out the treatment process, minimizing the amount of time you spend in the dentist’s chair.
- Better for Sensitive Patients: Some patients have very sensitive teeth or gums. For them, even a simple cleaning can cause discomfort. Sedation dentistry can make these procedures easier to handle and help prevent pain during treatment.
- Helps with Special Needs: Patients with special needs or who have trouble sitting still for long periods can benefit from sedation. It can help them stay calm and comfortable during their dental visit, making it easier for the dentist to provide the necessary care.
Risks of Sedation Dentistry
- Side Effects of Sedation: While sedation can help you relax, it can also cause some side effects. Some people may feel dizzy, sleepy, or nauseous after the procedure. These effects usually wear off after a few hours, but it’s important to know what to expect.
- Not Safe for Everyone: Sedation dentistry may not be right for everyone. People with certain health conditions, like heart problems, breathing issues, and more, may not be able to use sedation safely. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your dentist before agreeing to sedation.
- Over-Sedation: One of the risks of sedation is that you may be given too much medication. If this happens, it could cause breathing problems or other serious health issues. However, this is rare when a trained professional is overseeing the sedation. Dentists are trained to give the right amount of sedation based on your needs.
- Recovery Time: After sedation, you may feel tired for a while. It’s important to have someone drive you home because you may not be alert enough to drive yourself. Recovery time varies depending on the type of sedation used.
- Cost: Sedation dentistry can sometimes cost more than regular dental visits. Not all insurance plans cover sedation, so you may need to pay out of pocket for it. This can be an important factor to consider if you’re thinking about using sedation.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
Sedation dentistry can be a great option for patients who experience dental anxiety or fear or for those who need longer, more complicated procedures. However, it’s important to talk to your dentist about whether sedation is safe for you. They will review your health history and help you decide if sedation is the most suitable choice for your treatment.
By understanding both the benefits and risks, you can decide if sedation dentistry is right for you and make your dental visit as stress-free as possible.
Comfortable Dental Care Begins With Sedation Today!
Sorensen Dental Group is a friendly, professional dental clinic dedicated to providing quality care. Our team of dentist in SE Calgary focuses on making every visit comfortable and stress-free, whether it’s a routine checkup or a more complex procedure. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy smile. Schedule your appointment at Sorensen Dental Group today!
