Dental sedation may be an option if you are afraid of going to the dentist. In this post, our Cambie Village Dental team discusses dental sedation and how it feels.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments. There are normally three different types of sedation: oral nitrous oxide, and IV. At Cambie Village Dental, we offer oral sedation.
Patients who are extremely nervous about dental procedures, require complex treatment, or have a severe gag reflex may benefit from sedation. Before recommending sedation, your dentist will review your medical history to ensure that you are in good enough health to be sedated.
What is IV sedation?
Intravenous (IV) sedation is the administration of an anti-anxiety medication through the bloodstream during your dental treatment.
Although IV sedation dentistry is also known as "twilight" or "sleep" dentistry, it does not actually put you to sleep. Rather, the sedative allows you to unwind and feel at ease.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedatives are available as liquids or pills. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to aid sleep or one hour before your appointment to aid relaxation before and during treatment.
How does it feel to be under sedation?
Dental sedation is a method of reducing anxiety and pain associated with dental procedures. You will be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist and respond to instructions throughout your treatment, regardless of how sleepy you feel. If you do fall asleep, a gentle shake should awaken you.
With conscious oral sedation, typically, patients have little recollection of the procedure. After being sedated with oral sedation, many patients report having a conscious dream. Oral sedation usually allows for a faster recovery than general anesthesia.
Our team will monitor you during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Can I drive myself home after having dental sedation?
A trusted friend or family member should drive you to and from your sedation appointment. Although the effects of sedation are transient, you may be drowsy enough to drive. Because oral sedation can take several hours to leave your system, consult with your dentist about when you can resume driving.
Don't let dental phobias or anxiety prevent you from receiving the necessary care. By determining whether you are a candidate for dental sedation, our dentists can help you decide whether to use IV or oral sedation for your procedure. Remember that oral sedation should work similarly to nitrous oxide.