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Many people avoid the dentist because they are fearful, anxious, or have suffered a traumatic dental experience.
If you are one of these individuals, then you’re not alone, but rest assured, as there is an effective solution known as sedation dentistry in West Edmonton.
Sedation dentistry can help you feel calmer and relaxed during dental visits, particularly for longer or complicated procedures. Now, you may wonder, is sedation dentistry for you?
Let us discuss the types of sedation dentistry and the benefits of sedation dentistry.
What Does a Dentist in West Edmonton Say About Dental Anxiety?
Feeling anxious before a dental appointment is common. Whether it’s anxiety around pain, a needle, or the sounds of dental instruments, many people experience dental anxiety.
Your dentist in West Edmonton will suggest sedation if:
- You have a low pain threshold
- You’ve had traumatic dental experiences before
- You need a lot of dental work done at once
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You feel panicked during checkups
If you are experiencing any of this, sedation could help your visit feel ease.
What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?
Dentists use different forms of sedation dentistry to make you feel calm and relaxed. Each of these types varies by depth of sedation (conscious or unconscious) and how quickly they wear off.
Here are the main types of sedation dentistry:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – the lightest form of sedation dentistry, where you remain awake but feel relaxed.
- Oral Sedation – the dentist prescribes a pill which you take before your appointment. Some patients feel drowsy (but still awake).
- IV Sedation – is given and monitored by the dentist (through a vein). You feel very relaxed, without any anxiety, and don’t remember much of your appointment after.
- General Anesthesia – you are completely asleep. This would apply to a patient undergoing more complicated surgery.
Your dentist will use your medical history and anticipate your needs to select the right girth of sedation dentistry.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Choosing sedation could support your experience in many ways, especially if you often feel anxious or overwhelmed during your dental appointment.
Here are some of the main benefits of sedation dentistry:
- Reduced fear or anxiety
- Enhanced ability to remain still for long treatments
- Enables dentists to maximize the amount of work they can get done in a visit/session, broken into fewer appointments
- Patients with gag reflex issues can rely on sedation dentistry
- Long procedures could feel shorter
Sedation dentistry is not limited to anxious patients. It may benefit children, people with special needs, or those who require extensive dental work.
Is Sedation Safe? What You Should Know
Sedation is very safe when delivered to you by trained professionals. Dentists will check your medical history and oversee you during the entire procedure.
Before you get sedation, your dental team will:
- Ask about your medications and allergies
- Check your health history (especially heart, lung, or sleep problems)
- Describe how to prepare for the appointment
- Let you know if you need to have someone to drive you home
As long as you follow the directions provided to you, the process is low-risk and helpful for many patients!
When to Talk to a Dentist About Sedation
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist or even just feel nervous before appointments, it’s a good idea to talk about sedation with your dental team. A dentist can help you decide if it is a good fit for your care plan.
Some signs that you might benefit from sedation are
- You delay dental appointments due to fear
- You need complex or long dental treatments
- You’ve had bad dental experiences in the past
Even one positive experience with sedation can change how you view dental care in the future.
Wrapping Up!
Sedation dentistry is a good option for anxious people, need extra help, or have a lot of treatment ahead of them. Sedation treatment is effective, safe and a stress buster to help you visit dental clinics without worries.
Want to feel comfortable at the dentist? If you have been putting off dental care because of anxiety or fear, Capital Dental Choice is happy to help. We can help you in choosing a sedation option that is both safe and effective.
Let us get comfortable smiling. Schedule an appointment with our team now.
