Sedation Dentistry
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Fear and anxiety about dental treatments is very common and completely understandable. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we offer sedation and sleep dentistry techniques to totally relax you during your visit with us. We are also accredited to offer full sedation dentistry involving general anaesthetics at a nearby day surgery. With help from our compassionate team, you can reduce your fears and experience an anxiety-free – even pleasant – visit to the dentist!
- Sedation Dentistry Benefits
- Sedation Dentistry Techniques
- Sedation Dentistry Safety
- Sedation Dentistry Cost
- Additional Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Dental anxiety can cause patients to avoid going to the dentist, ultimately increasing their chances of developing severe problems with their teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry is a way to alleviate any nervousness and anxiety associated with visiting the dentist. These methods can benefit patients who are:
- Nervous about needles and instruments coming near their teeth and gums
- Uncomfortable with the sounds and tastes associated with dental procedures
- Affected by teeth and gums that are very sensitive
- Nervous about dental conditions that may require longer treatment times
- Resistant to local anesthetic
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Available?
In the interest of providing a pain-free dentistry experience, our team can administer a few different types of sedation. While the most common are happy gas, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, we also offer a selection of homeopathic and botanical options. During your initial consultation, we will talk to you about your concerns and determine which approach is ideal for your needs and goals.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to undergo dental procedures while experiencing near-total relaxation. About an hour before your appointment, you’ll take a single pill designed to make you feel at ease. During treatment, you’ll remain awake and able to communicate with our dental team, but you’ll be in such a deeply relaxed state that you may not even remember the procedure afterward.
Happy Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
Laughing (or “happy”) gas is another of the most common forms of dental sedation. Nitrous oxide is administered in small doses through a mask placed over your nose, promoting a calm, consciously relaxed sensation throughout your procedure.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation can assist patients with higher levels of anxiety or more complex oral health issues. We can adjust the level of sedation depending on your unique case, ranging from a deeply relaxed state (twilight dentistry) to complete unconsciousness (sleep dentistry).
Homeopathic Sedatives
If you prefer a more natural solution, our on-site naturopath can recommend holistic dentistry options (i.e., homeopathic sedatives). These herbal alternatives, botanical products, and nutritional medicines can help you feel more comfortable during treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
All forms of sedation dentistry can be used safely when performed by a skilled dentist on an eligible patient. For your safety, we will carefully review your medical history and ensure you have the best-qualified team around you. For procedures that require intravenous (IV) sedation, a qualified anesthetist will be present throughout the entire process.
While sedation dentistry is generally safe and effective, each method comes with potential side effects that patients should be aware of. These possible complications include lingering drowsiness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and (if an IV is placed) bruising.* During your consultation, our team will describe any possible side effects in more detail.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry can vary depending on several factors, including the type of sedation used, the complexity of the procedure, and the duration of the treatment. Because every patient’s needs and treatment plans are unique, it’s important to consult with your dentist for a detailed cost estimate based on your specific requirements. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we’re happy to discuss pricing and help you choose the most suitable and cost-effective sedation option for your care.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Would you like to learn more about your sedation options? Our skilled dentists have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry. If you have a question not addressed here, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team today.
What is the difference between sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is an umbrella term that refers to an array of techniques used to reduce dental fear and anxiety. Significant apprehension is often addressed with oral or intravenous (IV) medication. Oral conscious sedation and happy gas allow you to remain awake and responsive but completely at ease, and you should be able to forget the experience entirely by the time the medication wears off. With IV sedation, you can receive a mild dose of general anaesthesia and remain awake (twilight dentistry) or be placed in an unconscious state (sleep dentistry) for the duration of the treatment.
Can any dentist perform sedation?
Many dentists use happy gas to calm patients that are nervous about treatment; however, for more advanced sedation techniques (such as oral conscious, IV, or homeopathic sedation), additional training is required. Rest assured that our dentists are extensively experienced in all of these strategies.
Which sedation technique is right for me?
Every patient’s needs are unique. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your concerns and your level of anxiety to determine which method is ideal for you. Additionally, we will evaluate your medical history, consider the type of treatment you’ll be receiving, and weigh other factors to guide your decision. Your comfort and wellbeing are our top priorities, and we will work with you to find a solution that makes your dental experience as pleasant as possible.
Never let fear of the dentist keep you from receiving vital dental work! At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we can help you improve both the appearance and health of your teeth while giving you the most comfortable, pain-free treatment possible. For more information on our sedation dentistry options or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.