How Sedation Dentistry Works: Benefits, Safety & What to Expect

Many people suffer from dental anxiety causing an immense fear of visiting a dentist. This fear often arises due to misconceptions about treatments and lack of knowledge. When fully informed about dental procedures, you will be more inclined to go to the dentist and less worried.

There are several ways your dentist can make your experience more comfortable.  Oral health care is vital to help you maintain strong teeth and bones and can relieve pain associated with damage and decay. Dental anxiety can be overcome or substantially reduced simply by visiting a sedation dentist in Calgary’s NW.

Sedation at the Dentist

Dental sedation is using medication to help you feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair. It reduces your body’s natural stress response to pain or discomfort. A sedation dentist in Calgary’s NW can tailor one of three sedation methods to you, depending on the treatment you are undergoing.

1. ‍IV Sedation – You are conscious but relaxed. An intravenous line is connected to your vein allowing the medication to enter directly into your bloodstream.‍
2. Nitrous Oxide – A mask is put over your nose to administer the nitrous oxide, so you feel sleepy during your treatment. This allows you to be calm and relaxed the entire time.‍
3. Oral Sedation – Medication is given in the form of a pill. The pill is taken before your treatment, so you are calm but still cognitive.

Anesthesia is another form of medication typically used for more complicated treatments. During the procedure, you will be in an unconscious state.

Relief with Sedation

Sedation reduces your body’s natural response to pain, helping you manage all types of dental treatments. Additionally, sedation:

• Reduces your gag reflex
• Saves time in the dentist’s chair since you are not nervously wriggling around
• Improves overall health because when your teeth and gums are healthy, it can improve your overall well-being
• Necessary care is obtainable when you are less worried about visiting the dentist to get the treatments you need
• It allows you to be calm and relaxed during treatments that might otherwise make you feel uncomfortable

Who is Sedation For?

Calgary sedation dentists are here to help if you:

• Have difficulty sitting for a long period
• Require extensive treatments
• Have emotional, physical, or mental special needs
• Experience a fear or phobia of going to the dentist

Sedation Safety at the Dentist

Sedation is a safe option when administered by a licensed healthcare professional. Your dentist in Calgary’s NW will make it their top priority to ensure every step of the sedation process is done properly and with the utmost care. You can be confident when choosing any method recommended by your dentist. 

Your vitals are monitored throughout the entire process and sedation levels can be adjusted if necessary. A complete and thorough examination of your medical and dental history is required before administration of any sedation. This eliminates any complications that could arise due to health concerns or interactions with other medications.

When Should Sedation Be Avoided?

• ‍Pregnancy – The fetus can be affected by sedation, or it may cause birthing problems
• ‍Use on Children – Though typically safe for kids, young children are at higher risk for developing problems with sedation as they are still growing
• ‍Alcohol Levels – Any amount of alcohol can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels‍
• ‍Poor Health – If you have medical concerns like heart disease or have had a stroke then you need to have a consultation with your medical professional to see if sedation can work for you without causing complications

What Can Sedation Be Used For?

Dental sedation can be used for many dental treatments, even something as simple as teeth cleaning. Your situation will be assessed to determine the type and strength of sedation that can be safely administered. It is commonly used during root canals, wisdom tooth removal, full mouth restorations, and dental implants.

Time for Dental Treatment

Sedation dentistry in Calgary helps you feel like you are barely in the dentist’s chair. This is a good option to worrying non-stop about the procedure as time ticks slowly by. When you visit Northmount Dental Care, we look after every detail to ensure your treatment goes smoothly and with the right form of medication when required. Sedation really can help transform your fear into calm and change your perspective about all your future dental visits.