Does the thought of seeing the dentist fill you with dread? Is your fear of pain stopping you getting the dental care you deserve? Dental sedation may be the answer to your problem. A Surrey-based sedation dentist is here to guide you through your fears and explain your worries away.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the application of medication to the patient either preceding or during the procedure. This will serve to relax you, and ensure a smooth, painless and stress-free procedure. Depending on the level of anxiety, sedation techniques may be offered in conjunction with general anesthetic.
Is dental sedation suitable for me?
Dental sedation is ideal for patients experiencing anxiety and panic attacks over a visit to the dentist and those who have had bad experiences with past dental procedures. If your aversion to pain is holding you back from completing important dental work, the varied options of sedation can help ease you through the process. However, certain health conditions may complicate this procedure. Patients with heart disease and respiratory conditions may be ineligible for sedation, and diabetic patients may also need a consultation with their doctor. If necessary, your dentist may ask for a doctor’s note before you can proceed.
How will I be sedated?
There are three typical forms of sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and forms of anxiety.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This procedure is ideal for patients with low levels of anxiety or requiring a comparatively trivial procedure. Inhaling the gas through a mask connected to a machine, your body will experience a “high” of euphoria. You will be awake and coherent through the procedure, but completely at ease. The effects of the gas are brief, and with little recovery time for this procedure, you will be safe to drive home.
- Oral Sedative
For patients with more anxiety, orally administered medication may be an option. This may be in liquid or pill form (tranquilisers such as Diazepam are often employed) and is taken roughly an hour before your procedure. You will be conscious during your appointment, but relaxed and at ease. This option is ideal for higher anxiety levels, and for longer procedures. It is indicated for those with phobia of needles too. There will be some recovery time from the sedative, and transportation should be planned accordingly.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is an ideal treatment for patients with high/extreme anxiety about dental work, especially if it will be a prolonged procedure. Sedative is injected directly into the bloodstream. This provides a much deeper level of controlled sedation, and the patient can be held in various states of being sedated. This treatment will also involve a prolonged recovery time, so please ensure you have travel arrangements planned for after your appointment.
Which option is right for me?
This is entirely dependent on personal circumstance, and your consultation with your dentist. But whether you require a procedure dedicated to low, moderate, or extreme levels of anxiety, your dentist will take you through the procedure with professionalism and the utmost compassionate care. With dental sedation in Surrey, you can rest assured that you need no longer fear the dentist’s chair.
