Which Type of Sedation Dentistry is Right For Me?

Some of us get anxious at the mere sight of drugs, for some it is blood, and for some even the slightest representation of anything medical triggers apprehension.

For you, it could be a visit to the dentist near you. The treatment itself is already unpleasant, the addition of anxiety just makes everything dreadful altogether. However, your next visit to the dentist doesn't have to be a foretaste of hell, it could be very pleasant.

With sedation dentistry, you can now ease your anxiety and relax during any type of dental procedure, from basic dental cleanings to invasive procedures.

Furthermore, your dentist in NW Calgary doesn't have to spend the long hours it requires due to your reactions to the treatment. A calm patient allows a smoother and faster treatment and also, consequently reduces your fee if payment is by the hour.

Here is what you should know about the different procedures for sedation dentistry near you:

1. Minimal Sedation

Also known as inhalation sedation, this procedure involves you inhaling nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which is combined with oxygen through a mask. It calms you during the whole process while keeping you awake. It is the most common because it wears off quickly and thus allows you to make it back home yourself with your full senses.

2. Intravenous Sedatives

Also known as IV sedation, this procedure involves you being injected by the sedative. Since it is injected directly into the vein, this method relaxes you faster and can be adjusted to induce different degrees of consciousness which may result in the patient becoming less aware of what’s happening and most likely recollect little about the procedure afterward. However, this sedation procedure is mostly reserved for high symptoms of anxiety because it requires vast training in the administration of anesthesia.

3. Oral Sedation

This procedure solves the problem of the possibility of a phobia for needles (belonephobia). Minimal sedation status is achieved by simply taking a pill; typically Halcion (triazolam) or Valium (diazepam). It mostly takes about an hour for sedation to kick in and the patient remains awake, although some people have been reported to fall asleep in the process. It is cheaper than intravenous sedation and is known to have fewer side effects.

4. Deep Sedation

Also known as general anesthesia, this procedure renders you nearly or unconscious and is known to potentially cause complications. It is employed only in cases of substantial dentistry tasks and/or severe anxiety cases. Its effect induces unconsciousness that remains until it wears off or is reversed with medication.

Sedation dentistry in NW Calgary remains a brilliant choice, however, it is possible that anxiety could have escalated into a severe phobia and in this case, seeing a mental health expert is a wise choice. There is a thin line between anxiety, which is subtle apprehension, and phobia, which is a feeling of dread.

The fear of pain, feelings of control loss, and possible embarrassment that accompanies a dental visit may have escalated into something that if not taken care of, might become a traumatic experience.

If what you feel is still subtle anxiety, then you might want to choose a form of sedation dentistry that leaves you awake but takes away the pain, so you can at least "face your fears." When you visit Royal Vista Dental, our team will work with you to find the best form of sedation dentistry for your needs.