Many people fear visiting the dentist. This fear can range from nervousness to extreme anxiety. Whether it means you miss routine checkups or skip appointments for treatment, this can be detrimental to your teeth and oral health. However severe your fear, you can manage it with oral sedation dentistry in Waterloo.
When Can You Receive Oral Sedation?
In cases of mild anxiety, oral sedation will keep you calm during long procedures, such as for restorations or cosmetic dentistry. If you have a phobia of being in the dental chair, you may be able to receive oral sedation for any visit, even for checkups.
How Does Oral Sedation Work?
You will receive the sedative in the form of a pill (usually Halcion) one hour before your appointment. Your dentist will choose the dosage according to whether you require minimal or moderate sedation. You will be awake and able to respond to instructions, but you will feel relaxed and drowsy. If you receive a local anesthetic after sedation, the injection will cause you no discomfort.
Side Effects of Oral Sedation
Side effects of sedation are mild. However, as the drug will make you sleepy, you will be unable to drive yourself home after the appointment. Other side effects include amnesia (many patients find that they are unable to remember the procedure), dry mouth, headaches, and nausea. There are few serious risks for most people.
Advantages of Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is one of three options: oral, gas, and IV. Gas offers the mildest level of sedation, which is sometimes insufficient for more anxious patients. Whereas IV offers a higher level of sedation than oral, many nervous patients would rather avoid needles and prefer to take a pill.
For consultation and appointment contact Waterloo Dentist.
