Sedation Dentistry
in West Vancouver
Do you dread going for semi-annual dental exams? While it is customary not to be excited about the prospect of going to the dentist, anxiety may prevent you from maintaining good oral health. If suffering from a toothache sounds better than booking an appointment, sedation anxiety can help alleviate the stress associated with going to the dentist. It will make your experience more comfortable and convenient.
Sedation dentistry, alternatively known as sleep dentistry, places patients in a relaxed state. This form of dentistry reduces anxiety experienced during the procedure, providing a more calming experience.
The anesthesia lowers the patient’s awareness, making them more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can also be a relaxation method for multiple dental treatments, ranging from teeth cleaning to invasive procedures.
If you are looking for something to soothe your nerves no matter what the procedure, then you may want to consider sedation dentistry
Do You Suffer from Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is stress, fear, or anxiety associated with going to the dentist. This type of fear may prevent you from attending dental appointments.
Drills, needles, or simply setting foot in dental clinics can trigger anxiety. If severe, it can generate irrational fear causing avoidance.
Some patients will regularly avoid or miss dental appointments. Although, they need help to receive dental treatment, no matter the complexity.
There is no risk to sedation dentistry unless you have a pre-existing health condition. However, before giving you anything, we assess your health entirely before the appointment. Additionally, you are continually monitored throughout the procedure, so you can have peace of mind, knowing you are in safe hands.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefit of sedation dentistry is that it helps remove dental anxiety. Good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Much like going for regular doctor’s appointments, it isn’t something to be dismissed. Exams check your overall health, examine/prevent dental issues, and treat existing conditions. They also screen for oral cancers that can be fully treated if detected early.
Some of the benefits of sedation dentistry are:
Pain Relief
An anesthetic is often administered to decrease pain or irritation experienced during specific dental procedures. If you fear treatment because of pain, sedation eases this anxiety. Nitrous oxide and an oral sedative ensure the mouth remains numb, making everything pain-free.
Anxiety Relief
Sedation provides a calming effect, thereby relaxing patients who experience dental anxiety. The fear is that the appointments will be painful or involve many different factors. With our sedation dentistry, however, you will not experience any pain, nor will you experience any situation that will make you uncomfortable.
Better Results
Sedation keeps patients from moving or trembling during procedures. This reduces the time it takes to perform treatments and allows you to leave sooner.
Minimal Memory of the Procedure Afterwards
Depending on the sedative, many people report having a minimal memory of the event. This decreases anxiety significantly, turning bad memories into good ones.
Our Sedation Dentistry Service in West Vancouver
Our trained staff will work with you to alleviate all forms of anxiety. We want to provide you with the best experience possible because we care about you and your health. Fear shouldn’t prevent you from receiving the care necessary to have a bright, healthy smile.
Some of the sedation options we use include the following:
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
This is provided as a conscious sedative. Nitrous Oxide is administered as a mixture containing oxygen. It produces a calming effect when taken. Patients can communicate, but people who are phobic/anxious will become more relaxed.
At the end of your appointment, oxygen is provided to flush out the gas. The effects wear off instantaneously with no real side effects.
Oral Sedation
Administered in pill form, oral sedation will not put you to sleep. Instead, you will experience a dulling of the senses.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is injected directly into the bloodstream. Its effects are immediate and used for shorter treatments. IV sedation is a moderate form of sedation. However, patients report they feel like they slept through the procedure.
Patients also experience fewer feelings of sleepiness and grogginess afterward.
Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia
Deep sedation is given through medication. The patient is near to entirely unconscious.
Whether you need sedation due to your procedure or because of anxiousness, we can provide you with the right option for dealing with it. Speak with one of our experienced dentists, and we will find the most suitable sedation for you.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
When experiencing sedation dentistry, you can expect the following:
- Preparation: Avoid eating and drinking for six hours before your appointment unless otherwise instructed. Your health history may affect recovery, especially if you are a smoker or have diabetes.Therefore, you must let our staff know if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
- Administration: Patients are given sedatives in several ways, which include intravenously or orally.The type of sedative depends on the treatment performed, other medications you are taking, and your medical condition. Benzodiazepines are the most used.
- Relaxation: After the sedative is administered, you should feel relaxed. You will remain responsive and alert enough to answer questions.All patients are monitored throughout the visit to ensure their pharmacological and psychological requirements are met.
- Recovery: Post-treatment, patients feel no side effects or residual discomfort from the sedative. Some don’t even remember their time at the dentist. If you choose this type of care, you will need to have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment.It is recommended to avoid work for the rest of the day to recuperate. Avoid operating heavy machinery and driving for twenty-four hours. Also, remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
The goal of sedation therapy is to keep our patients safe while reducing discomfort and anxiety experienced at the dentist.
Chose Caulfeild Dental in West Vancouver
Anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from having a beautiful smile. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome any uneasiness you feel about going to the dentist. Sedation therapy can be provided for any treatment ranging from dental exams to other forms of treatment. Let our trained staff know whenever you need it, and we will work with you to provide a positive experience.
At Caulfeild Dental, we will work with you in overcoming anxiety. We strive to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment and will address all your concerns. Our caring staff has your best interests in mind, and our approach is patient-centred.
We will educate you regarding your options and assess your medical history to determine whether sedation can be administered. Once sedated, we continually monitor your health.
Caulfeild Dental is conveniently located in the Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre (5311 Headland Drive) between Iris Optometrists and Opticians and The Valetor.
Book Your Checkup Today!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Particular health concerns like diabetes may preclude you from taking sedation. At your first appointment, we will carefully assess whether it can be safely administered.
What if I am nervous about being put to sleep?
When the anesthesia is administered, you will remain awake and be coherent enough to answer questions or address concerns. Our team of experts continually monitors your health, and no side effects are involved. The procedure is entirely safe.