What is sedation dentistry? Is it safe?

Dental phobia and dental anxiety is a prevalent condition that affects a large percentage of the Canadian population. Many individuals opt to avoid the dentist altogether, leading to severe consequences and health conditions due to poor teeth hygiene.

For those individuals who have dental phobia or dental anxiety, Sedation Dentistry is an excellent tool to safely alleviate fears and make the entire process of a dental visit much easier for the dentist and the patients. Sedation Dentistry is also effective for more intensive procedures—as an emergency dentist, London residents trust our expert team for their immediate tooth health concerns and hygienic care with a compassionate touch.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to sedate the individual, invoking feelings of calm, peaceful relaxation. Though it is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” sedation dentistry usually means that the patient is conscious during the process—simply in a relaxed state of mind, sometimes described as a “dreamlike” state.

Anesthesia is used to induce complete unconsciousness for invasive procedures, emergency dentist services, or any procedure that is a little more intensive than regular tooth cleaning. There are multiple levels of sedation dentistry, each with differing physical/mental effects and use cases:

Minimal sedation:

fully awake but relaxed, calm and peaceful

Moderate sedation:

A little more intense sedation, sometimes the patient slurs their words; some short-term memory loss of the operation

Deep sedation:

You can be awakened and are barely conscious

General anesthesia:

Fully unconscious and unaware of your surroundings

Methods for Sedation Dentistry

Inhaled Sedation: Commonly known as “laughing gas,” this nitrous oxide helps you feel much more relaxed and at ease throughout the entire procedure.

Oral Sedation:

Usually taken via a pill or tablet, you’ll feel drowsy but will not fall unconscious immediately. Some people may fall asleep with higher doses, but it’s usually a sleepy level of calm relaxation.

IV Moderate Sedation:

You immediately feel the effects through injection into a vein and are at the edge of sleep and being awake. Throughout the procedure, your dentists can adjust and control the level of medication used.

Deep Sedation/General Anaesthesia:

Usually, through injection, you quickly fall entirely unconscious. It is difficult to awaken an individual from this level of sedation and requires a long time to wear off or a reversal medication. In addition to sedation, you’ll also receive a local anesthetic regardless of the type of operation you underwent.

The dentists will numb your mouth in the region where you are receiving treatment, ensuring that zero pain is felt during the procedure.

Dentist in London

While sedation dentistry is safe for most individuals, those who experience sleep apnea or are obese may experience some minor complications and should consult a physician before undergoing any sedation dentistry. If you are searching for a dentist in London, Ontario, we can provide comprehensive services and maintenance hygiene to help you keep your healthiest smile! Not all dental operations require sedation dentistry, and we are committed to exceptional and innovative dental care.

Emergency Dentist in London

Are you searching for an emergency dentist? London is home to Hyland Dental Centre, and we are dedicated to restoring and advancing the health of your smile. We provide emergency dentistry for chipped, cracked or missing teeth, in addition to sedation dentistry when required.

Get in touch with our team today by booking a dental appointment or call us at (519) 679-0808.