A Patients Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Did you know that more than 15% of adults in the U.S. avoid going to the dentist because of fear? If you are anxious about visiting the dentist then sedation dentistry may be right for you. Sedation dentistry is used to provide an anxiety free and relaxing dental visit, helping anxious patients receive the dental care they need while avoiding or minimizing the stress of visiting the dentist. Here is a quick overview of sedation dentistry to help you decide if conscious sedation dentistry would make your visit to Marlborough Dental a stress free one.

1. What is Sedation?
   Sedation is the use of sedative drugs to establish a tranquil state. At Marlborough Dental we use conscious sedation, where the patient is awake during the procedure but the dentist has administered a local anesthetic to block pain during minor dental surgery and a sedative to help the patient relax. Conscious sedation allows you recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after a procedure.

2. Why Choose Sedation?
   Sedation Dentistry is aimed at patients who experience anxiety or fear when they visit the dentist. These fears can develop for a variety of reasons, and range from mild apprehension to a full on phobia. During conscious sedation you remain awake during the procedure and are aware of your surroundings, though after your procedure you will likely feel drowsy and not remember much of what you experienced. Conscious sedation is recommended for patients with mild or moderate anxiety about dental procedures, not for individuals with full blown phobias.

3. What if the difference between Conscious Sedation and General Anesthesia?
   Conscious Sedation and General Anesthesia are different. When a patient is under Conscious Sedation they are awake, and are somewhat aware of their surroundings. To achieve this, the patient is given a sedative to help them relax as well as local anesthetic to dull the pain receptors in their mouth while the dentist performs his or her work. After the procedure the patient will be drowsy and remember very little of the procedure.

Under General Anesthetic the patient is unconscious, and completely unaware of their surroundings. General Anesthetic must be administered by an Anesthesiologist or a Nurse Anesthetist, and is not a service provided by Marlborough Dental. Patients with full blown phobias regarding dentists and dentistry would be more comfortable being fully sedated under General Anesthetic.

To book your sedatiation dentistry appointment, or a consultation visit, call 403.248.2066 and visit marlboroughdentalcentre.com today.