Sedation Dentistry
Afraid of visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry!
If even the thought of a trip to the dentist makes you feel somewhat anxious, don’t feel alone. Dental phobia, or fear of the dental chair, is reported to occur in up to 75% of people to one degree or another. Although facing and banishing your fear would be a great accomplishment, Sedation Dentistry at Wascana Dental is a more realistic option that works by helping you manage your anxiety.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
The first step on your path to anxiety free dental treatment is to understand what Sedation Dentistry is and how it can benefit you. We will walk you through the facts and process of Sedation Dentistry at Wascana Dental. You can trust that our dentist is there to help you manage your dental fears and continue on the path of dental health that you and your family deserve.
In fact, Sedation Dentistry has helped thousands of people manage their dental phobia and enabled them to take the needed steps to care for their dental health. We welcome you to read carefully through the facts about Sedation Dentistry and then to take action by booking a consult appointment at Wascana Dental to see if Sedation Dentistry is right for you.
How is Sedation Dentistry administered?
Sedation Dentistry uses sedatives to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state in patients. Sedatives range from mild to moderate in their effect and may be administered by our dentist in one of two ways:
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation
- Oral Sedation
IV sedation, administered by our trained dentist, is an effective and safe way to provide moderate sedative effects. IV sedation has some unique benefits: since IV sedation drugs are administered directly into the blood stream, they take an immediate effect; as well, our dentist can tailor the dosage of IV delivered sedatives to the individual patient. In general, IV sedation tends to produce a deeper level of sedation than oral sedatives.
Oral Sedation Dentistry is an often requested method our dentist uses to empower patients in the management of their fears. In this method, oral sedatives are taken in pill form. Oral sedation patients typically report feeling comfortable and remembering little of the treatment, as if they had slept through the treatment. Despite the experience of sleeping through the procedure, oral Sedation Dentistry patients actually maintain a level of consciousness which allows them to follow their dentist’s instructions during the procedure.
What type of Sedation Dentistry is best for me?
What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
One of the major benefits of Sedation Dentistry is that it allows people with dental phobia to stop avoiding regular dental treatments. Routine dental maintenance, such as hygiene visits and treating early stage cavities is essential in preventing the onset of more complex dental problems. By following recommended routine care and maintenance, patients can avoid the very thing they fear and end up with fewer visits to the dentist!
Another highlight of Sedation Dentistry is the perception of time that sedation patients experience. Sedation Dentistry patients often recall long and complex dental procedures as occurring in minutes rather than long periods of time. Therefore, our dentist can perform longer procedures in a single visit rather than spacing them over several visits. Fewer appointments means that treatments like smile makeovers, the replacement of missing teeth through dentures, implants or bridges, as well as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and other complex dental treatments are no longer out of reach for patients with dental phobia.
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
Sedation Dentistry is considered safe. Dentists that offer sedation dentistry are required to meet strict provincial regulations which includes utilization of appropriate monitoring equipment and appropriately trained staff.
If you have further questions or concerns about Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry, let us know! At Wascana Dental, we are happy to spend time with you to make sure you are informed and comfortable with your treatment.
Is Sleep dentistry the same as Sedation Dentistry?
Does insurance cover Sedation Dentistry?
What to consider on the day of the sedation appointment.
Patients receiving Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry treatments must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver who can accompany them home. If you are receiving oral sedatives, we recommend you bring a comfortable pillow, blanket, and some music to listen to while relaxing before the treatment. After the appointment, a caregiver should stay with you until the effects of the sedation are gone.
Our practice always welcomes new patients – no referral is required! We welcome you to contact Wascana Dental to book an appointment today.
Or call 306.775.0488
