Many Canadians suffer from anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. However, in some cases, this can complicate access to essential dental treatment and can have a major impact on a patient’s quality of life including their physiological, psychological and social well-being.
It's Important To Visit The Dentist Because:
- They can detect early oral problems such as tooth decay before they require extensive treatment
- Regular dental visits lowers your risk of serious health concerns including heart disease & stroke
- Allows your dentist to perform regular cancer screenings and detect any issues early on
- A professional dental cleaning can reduce tartar buildup and lower your risk of developing gum disease
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we offer comprehensive services including sedation dentistry and direct billing to make your dental appointment as seamless and stress-free as possible and help protect the health of your mouth, gums and teeth.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows dentists to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably to patients who experience anxiety at the thought of visiting their dental clinic.
Patients who are under sedation will have no:
- Fear or anxiety during the dental treatment
- Memory of undergoing the procedure
- Sense of time while under sedation
- Sense of smell or sound
Sedation dentistry is an innovative service that allows patients to undergo a range of dental treatments in a simple and relaxing way.
How are sedatives administered?
Inhalation
Nitrous oxide is a frequently used method for easing patients with mild-moderate anxiety. Recovery is very quick and typically, you can resume normal activities immediately
Oral
Many dentists use the oral technique for dental sedation. It’s easy and doesn’t require the use of needles.
In most cases, you will be given a prescription pill to take an hour before your dental treatment so that you are fully relaxed by the time you arrive to the dental office.
What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
It is in the interests of both you and your dentist that your dental treatment is relaxed and comfortable. However, it is difficult for the majority of patients to experience this. This is where sedation dentistry can help.
5 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
1. Quicker Treatment Time
When you are nervous or feeling anxious, it’s natural that you move around or fidget while in the dentist’s chair. But this will significantly extend your treatment time. If you want to get in and out of the dentist’s chair as quick as possible, sedation dentistry will allow your dentist to:
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Do their work easily and quickly without your reaction to the procedure slowing them down.
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Perform multiple procedures in one visit, reducing your treatment time, number of visits needed, and your overall dental cost.
2. No more Fear or Anxiety
Sedation dentistry is very effective in helping patients cope with the sounds, smells and sights of the dentist office, eliciting overall feelings of calmness and well-being. This will help relieve any fear or anxiety that is associated with drill noises, bright lights or strong antiseptic odours.
3. You can Still Respond to the Dentist
It’s important to understand that when you are sedated, you will still be awake. This is necessary because it allows you to respond or communicate with your dentist if there is any need for this to happen.
Sedation dentistry won’t put you to sleep. Instead, it will just make you more relaxed and at ease throughout your entire dental treatment.
4. More Comfortable Treatments
Sedation dentistry is particularly helpful for patients with sensitive gag reflexes, allowing them to relax and even doze during the procedure. This allows for greater comfort during dental treatments including root canals, fillings and x-rays.
5. No More Painful Memories
Under sedation dentistry, patients usually have little or no memory of their treatment, waking only once their procedure is complete. This is especially appealing to patients who have had traumatic experiences with dentists in the past which have kept them from seeking even the most basic preventative care such as dental cleanings.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
If dental anxiety or fear is preventing you from acquiring the dental work you need, then sedation dentistry may be the solution you are looking for.
Dentists often recommend this service for patients with:
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High dental anxiety/fear
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A severe gag reflex
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Time constraints and need to get their treatment done quickly
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Physical limitations including back and neck problems
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A need for extensive treatments such as root canals
However, sedation dentistry is often NOT recommended for patients who:
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Are pregnant
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Have respiratory problems or asthma
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Are overweight
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Have obstructive sleep apnea
If you are wondering whether sedation dentistry is right for you, it’s important to book a consultation with your local dentist. They can help best determine whether or not this is a safe procedure for you.
Call Today
Whether it’s sedation dentistry or direct billing to your insurance company, our team at Marlborough Dental Centre strive to make your every visit to the dentist as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
To find out more about our comprehensive dental services, contact our Calgary clinic at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
