subject: Experience Calmness And Comfort In The Dental Office With Sedation [print this page] Today, we now have more of a reason to smile because of the advancements in sedation dentistry. Visiting the dentist can often bring up feelings of anxiety for various reasons, but your Ottawa, ON dentist can help to reduce these feelings and pain throughout your procedure with sedation dentistry, which allows you to relax and feel sleepy during your dental procedure in order to create an easy treatment with minimal pain or anxiety. Sedation dentistry enables you to receive dental care you need while avoiding any dental phobia you might have otherwise experienced. Let's take a closer look at sedation dentistry and how it can help you at your next appointment.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of anesthesia during treatment to put patients into a relaxed state, almost like sleep. It is often used during procedures that require an extensive amount of time in the treatment chair, and is ideal for patients who experience dental phobia or have difficulty controlling their movements. Many forms of sedation are used to alleviate anxiety or put patients in a sleep-like state, so that little is felt or remembered from the procedure.
Sedation dentistry techniques include:
*Oral conscious sedation
*Intravenous sedation
There are different types and degrees of dental sedation available. The sedation dentistry technique recommended by your dentist will depend upon the treatment being performed and the degree of your dental anxiety. Your dentist in Ottawa will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for moderate sedation with oral sedatives or nitrous oxide, or deep sedation with intravenous medication.
Eliminate the Needle with Oral Conscious Sedation
Most commonly, oral sedation is prescribed for relieving anxiety in the hours immediately before a dental appointment. Sedative medication helps relax patients by slowing the action of the central nervous system. People remain aware of their surroundings, but are less responsive to external stimuli. Among other things, the use of oral sedation helps to reduce your sense of pain.
Sedatives are given to patients in a variety of ways, including by mouth or under the tongue. The vast majority of those receiving sedation within the dental office will take the medication orally. After taking the sedatives, you may feel calmer and more relaxed.
Experience Immediate Relaxation with IV Sedation
IV sedation is both safe and effective creating such a comfortable experience that most patients may not even remember their visit to the office. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered about what is going on around you.
The onset of action with IV sedation is very rapid and the dosage is carefully tailored to meet your individual needs. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable. If you have a dental phobia or a strong gag reflex, it is effective to allow you to have dental care. With IV sedation, you remain conscious through the process, which allows for an easier procedure because your dentist is able to communicate with you. You just won't have much memory of having been at the dentist.
If you are hesitant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing complicated procedures, sedation dentistry can help make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment, allowing you to achieve the smile you have always desired. Talk to your Ottawa sedation dentist today for more information on how sedation dentistry can help you at your next appointment.
