Over the years, dental technology advancements have made dental appointments much more painless and comfortable than they used to be. Still, some patients struggle with dental anxiety, making it difficult for them to get the dental care they require. At Summerland Dental Centre, we accommodate our anxious patients by providing sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry in Summerland, BC, involves using sedatives to help patients relax during their treatments. Sedation improves the treatment experience both for the patient and the dentist as well. When the patient is relaxed and cooperative, our dentists in Summerland, BC, can perform the dental procedures faster and without interruptions.
Types of Sedation
We offer three types of sedation, namely, IV sedation, laughing gas and oral sedation.
Laughing Gas Sedation
We use a nosepiece or mask to administer laughing gas. Laughing gas induces relaxation by slowing down the nervous system. You should feel the effects of the gas almost immediately. Contrary to popular belief, laughing gas doesn’t necessarily make you laugh uncontrollably. You’ll feel calm and comfortable throughout your procedure, and you’ll also be able to communicate with our dentists near you. When the procedure is done, the dentist replaces the laughing gas with pure oxygen to wear off the sedation effects.
Oral or Pill Sedation
In some cases, our dentists may recommend oral sedation, in which case you’ll take a prescribed pill before you arrive at our office for your appointment. Oral sedation induces mild to moderate sedation. You’ll remain awake but drowsy during treatment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered intravenously, i.e. via a vein. IV sedation is fast-acting since the sedative is delivered directly to the bloodstream. Our dentists can continually adjust the level of sedation to achieve the desired state of calm for the patient. That is, if you’re still anxious after your first dose, our dentists can vary the dosage to help you relax completely.
In comparison to oral and laughing gas, IV sedation provides a deeper relaxation level, which allows patients to undergo complex dental treatments without experiencing any pain or discomfort. IV sedation also has an amnesic effect, which means you might not even remember what happened at the dentist’s office.
If the thought of being at the dentist’s office completely terrifies you, then you may be a suitable candidate for IV sedation.
When Do You Require Sedation?
Not all dental treatments require sedation. Routine and painless procedures such as dental exams and cleanings may not necessitate sedation. If you’re coming in for extractions, wisdom teeth removal, root canal therapy and other complex procedures, then our dentists are likely to recommend sedation. This is especially so if you struggle with dental anxiety or have a low pain threshold.
At Summerland Dental Centre, we evaluate each patient’s unique needs comprehensively before advising them on their possible treatment options. Give Summerland Dental Centre a call today if you’re interested in sedation dentistry near you.
