Sedation dentistry, also referred to as relaxation dentistry, is the approach to managing pain and anxiety felt by some patients during their dental visits. Unlike general anesthesia where the patient is completely unconscious, patients under sedation dentistry are able to breathe on their own and are able respond to commands.
At Smile Matters, we administer sedation dentistry using inhalation and oral delivery methods.
Inhalation Sedation
What’s often referred to as “laughing gas”, Nitrous Oxide is the most frequently used sedation method in dentistry. All bodily functions remain normal and the patient is able to breathe on their own. The patient will often fall asleep and experience mild antero-grade amnesia about what happened during their dental visit. Inhalation Sedation has been used in dentistry for many years. It can be safely used for children as well. Adults can drive home after treatment on their own.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Safe prescription sedatives are used for anti-anxiety and mild antero-grade amnesia (very little, if any, memory of sight, smells and sound of dental visit). Usually, a companion is needed to drop off and pick up from the dental clinic. During the entire dental procedure, your blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored with a pulse oximeter.
Here’s How it Works…
STEP 1: Make your Appointment
We understand it might be difficult for someone with high anxiety, but we try our best to make it easy for you.
STEP 2: Welcoming Visit
We gather information regarding your health and discuss what you desire. If you are comfortable, we will take x-rays for your mouth with care.
STEP 3: Preparing for your Sedation Visit
We will give you prescription for a sedative to take the night before your appointment to gaurantee a good night’s sleep and to make sure you wake up relaxed.
STEP 4: Arriving for your Treatment
Your companion will bring you to our dental office. Additional medication will be given to create ultimate relaxation. Our experienced staff will monitor you throughout your treatment.
STEP 5: Going back to your nest for rest
Your companion will take you back to your home, and accompany you until you are completely recovered from sedation medication.
STEP 6: The next day
Most patients do not feel any discomfort of residual effects from the dental visit. Dr. Sahota will follow up with you personally with a phone call to make sure you are feeling good.
Dr. Sahota is a certified member of Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
