What are the Different Types of Sedation?
If you are anxious or downright frightened about visiting your dentist, you are not alone! Every year millions of Canadians skip important dental appointments due to their fear or anxiety associated with dental procedures. However, with the proper and judicious use of sedation dentistry procedures, it is possible to have a pleasant experience at your dentist’s office.
At DSV Dental, we use state-of-the-art sedation dentistry procedures to alleviate your fears and make your dental appointment as anxiety-free as possible. Dr. Sohela Vaid has years of experience practicing sedation dentistry in Whitby, ON, and helping her patients overcome the fear and anxiety associated with dental procedures.
Type of Sedation Available in Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry aims to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety through sedation. We offer the following types of sedation dentistry procedures:
Laughing Gas Sedation
Laughing gas is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It is one of the most common sedation agents used during dental procedures in adults and children. Rather than making you unconscious, laughing gas effectively blocks pain perception and helps you relax and calm down during dental procedures. It is one of the safest sedation techniques, as you are aware and awake during your course.
Dr. Sohela Vaid recommends laughing gas if you have a dental phobia, as it can help you relax. Laughing gas is easy to administer as well. A mask is placed over your nose and ask you to take deep breaths. It takes only a few moments for the laughing gas to start working, and soon, you will start feeling more relaxed and comfortable.
Another huge advantage of laughing gas is that it is relatively short-acting than other forms of dental sedation. You can return to work after your appointment without any residual sedative effects.
Side Effects Of Laughing Gas
Although laughing gas is safe for people of all ages, there are some side effects you should be aware of-
Nausea
Hallucinations
Headache
A hazy, unclear, weak memory of the procedure
When is Laughing Gas Used?
At DSV Dental, we use laughing gas alone or in combination with other sedating agents to sedate patients for several dental procedures, including-
Teeth cleanings
Teeth extractions
Root canal treatment
Dental fillings
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves using Triazolam pills to sedate a patient before a dental procedure. Since Triazolam makes you dizzy and less aware of your environment, you will need someone to drive you to and from the dental office.
The effect of oral sedation can last a long time, and our dentist will monitor you closely throughout the procedure. Oral sedation has several advantages over other sedating agents, including that it is a great alternative to IV sedation in patients with severe needle fear. Triazolam used to cause sedation is safe and causes little to no side effects. Patients don’t need assistance with breathing.
Side Effects Of Oral Sedation
Oral sedation with Triazolam is safe. You should be aware of the potential side effects, which include-
It might take some time for the pill to work.
The effects of sedation can last long after the dental procedure is complete.
It is not an option if you are allergic to Triazolam.
When is Oral Sedation Used?
Oral sedation is used to carry out several dental procedures, from teeth extractions and root canal treatments to dental fillings. However, as the effects of oral sedation are long-lasting, you will need assistance to commute to the dental office and home after the procedure. You might also need to take time off from work till the effect wears off.
IV Sedation
IV sedation involves using an IV drip directly into the patient’s bloodstream. It is one of the most effective sedation techniques, as the patients will enter a “twilight zone” and will have no memory of the dental procedure.
Side Effects of IV Sedation
While IV sedation is safe when done under expert supervision, there are a few side effects associated with it-
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Drowsiness even after the dental procedure
Bruising at the injection site
IV sedation is not recommended in pregnant women and children.
When is IV Sedation Used?
IV sedation is the best option for patients with severe dental anxiety or undergoing lengthy procedures like bone grafting, dental implant surgery, or TMJ surgery.
Although general anesthesia is sometimes used to carry out dental procedures, we don’t use it at DSV Dental.
What Are the Advantages Of Sedation Dentistry?
Whatever the method, sedation dentistry offers a significant advantage to patients with dental anxiety and phobias. It helps you remain calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. At DSV Dental, your safety is our priority, and we exercise precaution while performing sedation dentistry to minimize the side effects and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
As Dr. Sohela Vaid can work much faster when the patient is sedated, you might need fewer appointments to get the desired result for some dental procedures.
Most importantly, sedation dentistry can help people with severe dental anxiety to feel comfortable so they don’t skip their appointments and get the care they need at the right time.
DSV Dental offers several options for sedation dentistry in Whitby, ON. Call us today to find out which version of sedation would be best for you.