About Sedation Dentistry
Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
I am nervous about being unconscious.
What levels of sedation are available to me?
There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times. Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.
Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients receiving conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure. It is recommended that patients receiving deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
How are sedatives administered?
Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
Intramuscular (IM) — Intramuscular sedation, which involves an injection of sedative drugs into the muscles of the upper arm or upper thigh, can result in sedation within a short amount of time.
Intravenous (IV) — In IV sedation, a sedative is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. The sedation can be quickly modified to your state of consciousness and can be continued as long as necessary for the procedure.
What does it mean to be an IV Certified and Licensed Practitioner?
A dentist who is IV certified and licensed to administer IV sedation has received additional specialty training and has been legally certified by the state’s Board of Dental Examiners to deliver medical drugs that alter a patient’s consciousness for a comfortable, pain-free treatment. Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.
Sedation Dentistry
Experience being at ease before, during and after your dental procedure and walking away feeling confident in your new smile. Georgian Dental Sedation Dentistry eliminates the anxiety of going to the dentist. Dental treatments that would normally take multiple visits can be done in one visit without pain or discomfort.
- Nitrous Oxide – Dr. Tan and Dr. Crosby offer Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide Gas), often referred to as “laughing gas” and IV sedation, as effective anesthetics that have many benefits for patients seeking dental treatment.
- Oral Sedation – Oral Sedation allows the patient, who would otherwise elect not to see the doctor, the chance to have their work completed just by taking a small pill. The stress that occurred with past appointments can now be eliminated. Oral sedation allows you to relax through your dental visit. Safe and effective, oral sedation may be used to minimize fear and anxiety and allow you to acquire the dental treatment that you need or desire.
- IV Sedation – If you have a great deal of anxiety about going to the dentist, you have visited the right website! Our office can repair your teeth and brighten your smile without discomfort using intravenous sedation. We are one of the very few offices that offer IV sedation in this area. IV sedation allows you to feel relaxed through your entire visit with us. Please contact us if you have any questions about IV sedation, and how it can benefit you.
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