Sedation Dentistry for Children & Adults
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Phobia of the dentist is common, and such fears lead many people to delay or avoid treatment — even regular checkups. However, left alone, even the simplest problems can become serious and undiagnosed issues more difficult to treat. A far better solution than shirking the dentist is to overcome your fears. At Erbsville Dental we can help you — with our sedation dentistry services.
Sedation Dentistry Explained
Unlike general anaesthesia, sedation keeps you awake but helps you feel relaxed and less anxious. Depending on the extent of sedation, you may remember little or none of the procedure, although you will be conscious the entire time. Your reflexes will remain intact and you will be able to move and react to instructions from the dentist.
Who Is Eligible for Sedation Dentistry?
Whether you are nervous to terrified, you can receive sedation for any type of treatment, from a routine cleaning to complex work. Sedation dentistry is particularly suited to:
- Those who have never received dental treatment before
- Patients who had a bad experience in the past
- People with a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, or poor gag reflex
- Anyone unable to sit still in the dentist chair (including children), especially in the case the dental work will take a long time to complete
The Sedation Process
We offer two forms of sedation:
Inhaled
For minimal sedation, patients inhale nitrous oxide, which you may know as laughing gas. A mask will be placed over your nose and you will breathe normally. This method allows your dentist to adjust the sedative throughout the treatment. Although you will quickly feel a sense of calm, the effects wear off soon after you remove the mask. Minimal sedation is a viable option for those who are a little agitated about dental work but want to drive themselves home after the treatment.
Oral
For moderate sedation, you can take oral medication around one hour before you arrive at the clinic. You will feel sleepy, speaking may become difficult, and you will need someone to bring you and take you home after the treatment, as you will be unable to drive yourself. The dentist is likely to recommend this option if you suffer from severe anxiety.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
When provided by a trained and experienced dentist like Dr. Mathews, sedation is completely safe and unlikely to lead to any side effects. However, to ensure sedation will result in no complications, we will first check your medical history, take into consideration any medication you are currently taking, and discuss potential risks with you.
Never let anxiety or a phobia stand in the way of your oral health. Before your next teeth cleaning or dental treatment, talk to us about sedation and whether it could be the right solution to quell your fears.