Our feelings are powerful, and in many cases, they dictate how we respond to different situations. One well-known scenario is visiting the dentist. A lot of people feel extremely nervous or fearful when it’s time for them to come in for treatment.
At our local dental practice, we completely understand that the dentist is not everyone’s forte, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need and deserve. Therefore, we offer various forms of sedation dentistry to help you rest and relax while your dentist in NW Calgary works on your teeth.
For more information about oral sedation near you, please get in touch with us today.
In addition to dental anxiety, oral sedation may be a valid solution for you if you:
- Deal with extreme sensitivity.
- Have an overactive gag reflex.
- Suffer from aichmophobia (a fear of needles).
- Have a hard time sitting sit in the dental chair.
- Are scheduled to undergo a complex procedure.
Always speak with your dentist before committing to and undergoing, any form of oral sedation. They will discuss your dental and medical history and ask about your preferences prior to suggesting treatment.
Forms of Oral Sedation
With that said, if you are indeed deemed a suitable candidate for oral sedation, it can be administered to you in several ways.
Nitrous Oxide:- Also known as “laughing gas”, the medication is administered by inhalation; you’ll bring it in through a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You won’t be unconscious; instead, you’ll be lucid enough to understand what’s happening, but you won’t feel any pain at all.
Oral sedation:- Patients are given a pill before their scheduled appointment – this can be the morning of or the night before. The effects of the medication will leave you drowsy. You may even end up falling asleep, but you can be awakened very easily.
IV sedation:- The sedation medication is provided to you through an injection into your bloodstream. Your dental team will monitor your vitals including your oxygen levels and heart rate throughout the treatment. You’ll fall asleep and will not remember a lot afterward.
General anesthesia:- Such a form of anesthesia is commonly administered in hospital settings for surgery. You will be completely unconscious and not easily awakened. As a result, you’ll need someone to take you to and from the appointment.
Have questions or concerns about dental sedation techniques? Don’t be afraid to let them be known by your general dentist. They will go through each process with you so you understand the ins and outs of each one, and feel more prepared.
Possible Side Effects
No health treatment is 100% perfect; like other dental processes and procedures, side effects may occur in the hours or days following your visit. While such symptoms are uncommon, it’s still a good idea to be familiar with them, nonetheless.
Some of the risks involved with undergoing oral sedation include:
- Bruising (this mainly applies to those who receive a physical IV).
- Headaches.
- Dry mouth.
- Persistent drowsiness.
- Feelings of nausea, as well as vomiting.
- Allergic reactions.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these issues, please reach out to a dentist near you.
Visit Valley Ridge Dental Centre Today!
Are you interested in receiving oral sedation in NW Calgary? Perhaps you’re just looking for a new dentist to work with or simply need to book a routine dental cleaning. Whatever the reason, our skilled, diverse team of dentists, dental hygienists, and administrative staff are all standing by to aid you however you need.
To get started, call our dental practice when it’s most convenient for you. You can also reach us by email and by stopping by our location in person.
We can’t wait to work with you and help you obtain a beautiful smile.