Do Away Your Fear of Dentist with Sedation Dentistry

Sep 01 , 2021

Dental treatment might not be a catwalk for all. Dental ailments as cavities or dental trauma might be painful. However, some might shy away from visiting the dentist from the fear of treatment. Although the children are more fearful of visiting the dentist, the pain of tooth extraction or root canal treatment can be equally painful.

Dental science has evolved over the years, and different techniques have been incorporated to prioritize pain reduction and smooth treatment. This helps to do away with the phobia of visiting the dentist, and to reduce the anxiety. Modern era dentists have incorporated sedation dentistry. Experienced dentists perform sedation dentistry in Ontario, CA, and to zero on choosing the dental clinic, you should check on the dentist’s experience. The dentist’s qualification is mostly beyond doubt, but the dentist needs ample expertise in handling the patients to master the art of sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

The process of using medication to ease the anxiety and pain during dental treatment is known as sedation dentistry. Sedation can be incorporated through oral or intravenous doses, and the dentist would be the best person to decide on the need for sedation.

The use of sedation can be beneficial even for dental cleaning if you are anxious or intolerable to pain. In contrast, some might withstand the pain of a tooth extraction without much complaint. Although sedation dentistry is also referred to as sleep dentistry, it is inaccurate. Even if sedative or relaxing medication is incorporated, you do not lose your senses. Unlike general anesthesia, you do not slip into unconsciousness in sedative dentistry.

Based on your threshold capacity to withstand pain and dental treatment duration, sedation can be minimum, which can keep you relaxed yet awake. If administered with moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, your words might slur, and you might not remember the details of the treatment procedure. Both these sedative processes are part of oral sedation dentistry.

Deep sedation is applied when an extensive treatment like root canal treatment is administered, and you would be on the edge of consciousness, but can be awakened. General anesthesia is applied when you need to be made unconscious.

Types of Sedation in Dentistry

Based on the dental treatment and your capability to withstand pain, the following sedations are available:

Inhaled Minimal Sedation

A combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, may be placed over your nose. The dentist can control the sedation level, and laughing gas helps to calm your nerves and help you relax. Nitrous oxide tends to wear off quickly, and this is the only sedation that can allow you to drive home safely after undergoing dental treatment.

Oral Sedation

Depending on the dose implemented, oral sedation can be minimal or moderate. Minimal sedation can be obtained by popping in a pill like Halcion, usually taken an hour before dental treatment commencement. The mild dose of oral sedation would make you drowsy, but would still be awake. An increased dose can induce moderate sedation. Some might get sleepy during dental treatment, and such a process can also be coined as sleep dentistry.

IV Moderate Sedation

The intravenous application of sedation works instantly, and the dentist has the liberty to continually control the dose of sedation. You would remain awake and follow the instructions, but would not feel the pain. IV moderate sedation affects the gastrointestinal system and the brain, so you might experience nausea and vomiting.

General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation

Almost or total unconsciousness may be obtained through general anesthesia. The influence of general anesthesia can be reverted only with reverse medication. You would remain oblivion of the entire procedure and can slip into a deep sleep.

The Dental Clinic

The dentist would be the best person to know your medical history and identify your response towards pain. At  Monarch Dentistry, the dentists are well experienced in identifying the pain threshold and guiding the level of sedation.

With thirteen locations spread across Southern Ontario, you can book an appointment online and choose a suitable time. Our family-friendly staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care. We understand the power of your smile, and provide a range of dental treatments from orthodontics to sedation dentistry.