
In many cases, a visit to the dentist near you is rated among the things people are afraid of. For any of us, the drill and bright lights, in addition to the fear of pain, are adequate to cause anxiety.
But what if we said there was a way through which one could pay a visit to the dentist without feeling any pain? Well, here’s where sedation dentistry fits in. Now, let us see exactly what sedation dentistry is, how it works, and whether you will feel any pain during this process.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry makes use of medication to help the patient relax during the dental process. It is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” which really is misleading because, in most cases, patients will be awake unless they receive general anesthesia. Sedation is meant to make one relaxed and comfortable.
Levels of Sedation
Sedation dentistry in SW Calgary has different levels, which include:
- Minimal Sedation: You are awake but very relaxed.
- Moderate Sedation: Your words are unclear while speaking, and not much of the procedure will be remembered.
- Deep Sedation: You are nearly unconscious but can still be awakened.
- General Anesthesia: You will be completely unconscious.
Having known these levels of sedation, the level at which they are implemented depends on the anxiety level of a patient, procedural needs, and medical history.
How is Sedation Given?
There are a few ways that sedation can be given:
- Inhaled minimal sedation: You will inhale nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas,” mixed with oxygen through a mask. It relaxes you but works off quickly, making you capable of driving home after a procedure.
- Oral Sedation: You take a pill an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, and dosages range from minimal to moderate sedation.
- IV Moderate Sedation: Since the sedative is injected directly into a vein, this system works faster. During a dental procedure, the dentist in SW Calgary will easily increase or decrease the amount of sedative medication.
- Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia: You will take medications that allow you to be near or completely asleep. This type is usually used for more advanced dental procedures.
Do You Feel Pain?
The biggest question that people have when it comes to sedation dentistry is whether or not they will feel any pain. Generally speaking, the answer is no. Here’s why:
- Numbing the Area: Even with sedation, the dentist will still use local anesthesia on the area where they will be working to ensure you do not feel any pain while they are performing the operation.
- Sedation Effects: You will fall asleep to the extent that, though you will feel pressure or slight discomfort, you won’t exactly be aware of it. So, basically, you’ll be in half-sleep.
- Loss of Memory: Most of the patients in moderate sedation do not at all remember the procedure. That is good if you are anxious about having dental work done.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
If you are afraid of going to a dentist, there are quite some advantages to sedation dentistry near you. Some advantages associated with sedation dentistry include reduced anxiety, a painless experience, and less time consumption.
Sedation will make it possible for you to relax your nerves before going through the procedure. With local anesthesia and sedation, you won’t feel the pain.
This would avoid multiple appointments as you are more relaxed, and complex procedures are completed within fewer visits because the dentist can work more efficiently. The use of sedation makes prolonged procedures more effective because you will be in a relaxed state.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry in SW Calgary is generally safe when done correctly. Special training is hence required on the part of dentists and their teams. They have to monitor patients’ vital signs during such procedures, modifying sedation where necessary. You, however, must tell your dentist about your entire medical history, including drugs taken by you, so that you will be safe.
Beyond Dental Is An Expert in Practicing Sedation Dentistry
If you are afraid of visiting the dentist in SW Calgary, then sedation dentistry might be for you. With variable levels of sedation, you can pick your best fit. Sedation dentistry will not only calm the patient but will also leave them pain-free during treatment.
Next time you sit in the dentist’s chair at Beyond Dental, ask about your sedation options and make your visit painless and easy. Remember to take care of your teeth because, due to sedation dentistry, it doesn’t hurt.