Maybe you’re so frightened of the dentist that you wait until the very last possible moment to call in for help. Whether you need a general cleaning or a root canal, you aren’t alone if the idea of the dentist causes you to break out in a cold sweat. Dentistry doesn’t have to equal anxiety, though. With sedation dentistry, you can stay calm throughout the whole procedure.
What is sedation dentistry, and how can it help you handle your dental work? Learn more about whether this type of dentistry is the right fit for you here:
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
When many people hear of sedation dentistry, they imagine being blissfully unconscious while a dentist goes to work making your teeth beautiful, healthy, and pain-free. Sedation dentistry does not usually put you under. Instead, you’ll have a type of conscious sedation, which you may or may not remember when the sedation wears off.
Don’t worry—it still keeps you calm while you’re in the dental chair. Plus, most people find that they’re not as sensitive to pain when under this type of sedation.
The two most common types of sedation dentistry include nitrous oxide or laughing gas and oral sedation through medication.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask or a nosepiece and is generally fast-acting. It can be adjusted even while you’re in the chair to make you more comfortable or to ease up a bit on the amount. At the end of the procedure, the nitrous oxide is replaced by oxygen, and you’re as good as new.
This also means that you can conveniently drive yourself to and from your appointment. This is essential for many people and makes it the preferred method of sedation dentistry for many.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation takes a little bit longer to take effect and is often prescribed to ingest before you even come into the office. Usually, it takes about an hour to experience the effect. There are several types of medications that can produce a state of calm and may cause you not to remember your procedure afterward. They can make you feel very sleepy, though you’ll probably not actually fall asleep during your treatment. Lorazepan is one of the pills commonly prescribed for this type of oral sedation.
While you can drive yourself back and forth from the dental office with a nitrous oxide treatment, you will need to arrange for a ride if you go the oral conscious sedation route. These medications can inhibit your motor skills temporarily, making it unsafe for you to operate a motor vehicle until the sedative is completely out of your system.
Do You Need Sedation Dentistry?
If you’re thinking about having some dental work done but panic at the thought of the dentist, it may be time for you to find a Winnipeg dental clinic that offers sedation dentistry. Here at East Kildonan Dental Group, we offer general dentistry and more to keep your pearly whites in great shape. Give us a call today to see how we can help you!