Dental sedation may be an option if you are afraid of going to the dentist. Our South Granville Dentistry 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 two different types of sedation: oral and nitrous oxide. At South Granville Dentistry, 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 nitrous oxide sedation?
We believe that understanding each type of sedation is still critical. Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a gas that is inhaled. You will be given nitrous oxide through 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. Because it enters and exits the body so quickly, nitrous oxide is extremely safe.
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 an 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. Despite feeling sleepy, you will be fully conscious and able to communicate with your dentist and respond to instructions throughout your treatment. 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 allows for a faster recovery than general anesthesia.
Both adults and children can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation. You might even feel euphoric as a result of it. You'll be alert and able to communicate, and time will seem to fly by.
Our team will monitor you during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Can I drive myself home after having dental sedation?
You should have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your sedation appointment. Although the effects of laughing gas are temporary, you may be drowsy enough to drive. Because oral sedation can take several hours to leave your system, follow your dentist's recommendations for when you can resume driving.
Don't let dental phobias or anxiety keep you from getting the care you need. Our dentists can help you decide whether to use nitrous oxide (in which case we may need to refer you) or oral sedation for your procedure by determining whether you are a candidate for dental sedation. Remember that oral sedation works in the same way that nitrous oxide does.