Dental anxiety is common in Canada and around the world, affecting approximately half of all people. Many people with dental anxiety actively avoid the dentist, negatively affecting their oral health and overall well-being.
You may be interested in sedation dentistry in Victoria, BC, if you suffer from dental anxiety. In Victoria, BC, your premier choice for professional sedation dentistry is Sherwood Family Dental Clinic.
This blog post highlights what you need to know about sedation dentistry and whether it is a safe dental procedure. Let's get started.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during a dental procedure, whether a routine dental cleaning or a more complicated treatment.
It is a means of helping patients to feel calm, relaxed, and at ease throughout their dental procedure. It benefits people of all ages, including older adults and children.
Those who can benefit from sedation dentistry include people with the following:
An overly sensitive gag reflex
Tooth sensitivity
Difficulty controlling movements
Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
A fear of needles
Special needs
There are different types and varying levels of sedation available. We will work with you at Sherwood Family Dental Clinic to prepare a suitable sedation plan.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
In short, yes. Sedation dentistry is safe and effective. It is a popular option for people suffering from dental anxiety or any of the above mentioned issues.
While there is always a risk when getting anesthesia, dental sedation is a tried and tested practice. We recommend you choose an experienced and qualified dental team to handle your sedation.
The type of anesthetics used depends on several factors. These factors include:
The age of the patient
The length of the procedure
The patient's general physical and mental health
Any past negative experiences they may have had
There are four main levels of sedation used in sedation dentistry: minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia.
Minimal Sedation: Minimal sedation involves taking a pill, such as a mild sedative, to help you relax. You will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist's requests, but you may feel a sense of calm and detachment from the procedure.
Moderate Sedation: Moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, involves taking a pill or receiving an injection to make you drowsy and relaxed, but not fully asleep. You may not remember much of the procedure, but you will be able to respond to the dentist if needed.
Deep Sedation: Deep sedation is when you are on the edge of consciousness and may not be able to respond to the dentist's requests. You may also have limited memory of the procedure.
General Anesthesia: General anesthesia involves being fully asleep and not aware of the procedure. This is usually used for complex or lengthy procedures, or for patients with severe anxiety or medical conditions that make it difficult for them to receive dental treatment.
It's important to note that the level of sedation used will depend on the individual patient's needs and the type of procedure being performed. The dentist will work with the patient to determine the most appropriate level of sedation for their individual needs.
Quality Sedation Dentistry in Victoria, BC
The bottom line is that sedation dentistry is a safe and effective treatment option for people who suffer from dental anxiety or other conditions. It is a way to improve dental health, even if you struggle with spending time at a dental clinic.
If you want to learn more about sedation dentistry safety or schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to contact our expert team. At Sherwood Family Dental Clinic, we have been providing effective sedation dentistry in Victoria for years.
Click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you.