Which Sedation Method is Best for You?

During your dental treatments, sedation dentistry can keep you relaxed. If you are going through a prolonged treatment or have dental anxiety, it may be beneficial for you. Nitrous oxide, conscious sedation provided orally, and intravenous (IV) sedation are some of the options you can consider. Some types of sedation dentistry require your dentist to hold a specific license.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

You can feel at ease and calm during dental procedures with the aid of sedation dental techniques. It is sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep” or conscious sedation because it briefly causes an amnesic state during which you lose consciousness but become less sensitive to pain.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

All ages, including infants, can benefit from sedation. Dentists frequently recommend this option for those who have: 

• Fear of visiting the dentist 
• Extremely sensitive gag reflex
• Fear of needles
• Hypersensitivity 
• Feeling claustrophobic while sitting on a dental chair
• Difficulty in controlling movements
• Dental Anxiety 

What Types of Sedation Are There?

Nitrous oxide

It is commonly known as laughing gas. The calming benefits of nitrous oxide start to take effect three to five minutes after you inhale it through a mask or nosepiece. Throughout your treatment, your dentist manages the dosage of sedation you receive and makes necessary adjustments. 

Oral conscious sedation

Prior to your procedure, your dentist will give you sedative medicine, usually in the form of a pill. This is known as oral conscious sedation. Even though oral sedation can make you feel quite sleepy and even cause you to doze off, you will be able to speak with your dentist if needed. You will require a friend or family member to drive you home following your procedure because oral sedation slightly impairs your memory and motor skills.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

It is the most profound type of conscious anesthesia currently used in dentistry. Through an IV line, your dentist near you will administer sedatives straight to your bloodstream. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be checked as the process progresses by our dentist in NW Calgary. At any time, they can change your dosage and, if necessary, they can reverse the medications. The best candidates for this choice are those who are going through lengthy procedures or who have severe dental anxiety.

Which Sedation Option is Safest?

Your medical history, the medications you’re taking, and many other variables will determine the safest dental sedation for you. For the majority of people, nitrous oxide is generally regarded as the least invasive and safest option. Anti-anxiety drugs are used in oral sedation, which is generally considered to be harmless. With semi-consciousness involved, IV or sleep sedation carries the greatest risk; however, when properly administered by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon, it is an effective and safe option for all patients. 

Before your appointment for dental treatment, discuss your concerns and fears with your dentist.. Patients with sensitive nerves or tiny mouths may occasionally require sedation merely because procedures inflict more pain and discomfort on them. Other patients require sedation to get over their fears and anxieties related to going to the dentist or having medical treatments done. It’s important to ask questions because it’s common to have concerns about a medication or procedure you’ve never encountered. Talk to our professionals at Sandstone Dental if you’re looking for sedation dentistry near you to help you overcome your anxiety and fear of invasive dental procedures. 
Contact us and book your appointment if you are looking for sedation dentistry in NW Calgary.