If you are nervous about going to the dentist, you may want to consider dental sedation to help make the experience more comfortable. Today, our Delta dentists discuss dental sedation and how it can feel.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments. At Surdel Dental Centre, we offer two different types of sedation: oral and nitrous oxide.
We frequently recommend sedation for patients who are extremely nervous about dental procedures, require complex treatment, or have a severe gag reflex. Your dentist will review your medical history before recommending sedation to ensure that you are safe to be sedated.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that is inhaled. Nitrous oxide is given to you via a small mask that fits over your nose. During your appointment, the level of sedation can be adjusted to ensure that you are comfortable at all times. Nitrous oxide is extremely safe because it quickly enters and exits the body.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedatives are easily administered as liquids or pills. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to help you sleep, and/or one hour before your appointment to help you relax before and during treatment.
How does it feel to be under sedation?
The goal of dental sedation is to relieve anxiety and pain. You will feel sleepy, but you will be fully conscious throughout your treatment, able to communicate with your dentist, and respond to instructions. If you do fall asleep, a gentle shake will easily wake you up.
Patients who receive oral conscious sedation usually have little recollection of what happened during the procedure. Following oral sedation, many patients report feeling as if they have had a conscious dream. Oral sedation allows for a much faster recovery than general anesthesia.
Nitrous oxide sedation is safe for both adults and children, and it makes them feel more relaxed and calm. It can even make you feel euphoric. You'll be awake and able to communicate, and time will seem to fly by.
Our team will monitor your vital signs during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Can I drive myself home after having dental sedation?
It is best to have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your sedation appointment. While laughing gas wears off quickly, you may still be drowsy enough to drive. Oral sedation can take several hours to leave your system, so you should carefully follow your dentist's instructions about when it is safe to drive again.
Do not let dental apprehension or anxiety prevent you from receiving necessary dental care. Our dentists can determine whether dental sedation is an option for you and assist you in deciding whether to use nitrous oxide or oral sedation for your procedure.
Don't let dental anxiety stop you from getting the care you need. Contact Surdel Dental Centre today to discuss our dental sedation options.