What is sedation dentistry? It’s a gift from the dental Gods to maintain great oral health, for patients like you, who have a phobia or an overwhelming fear of visiting the dentist’s chair. Dr. Michael Popp and his team at Marlborough Dental Centre are aware that somehow, somewhere, you may have developed a fear of dental procedures. This phobia should NOT exclude you from enjoying daily life with a million-dollar smile, and that’s why Dr. Popp is fully trained in sedation dentistry and offers the service at his NE Calgary dental clinic, allowing you to have excellent oral health without the fear of the dentist’s chair.
Whether you’re experiencing the excruciating pain of a toothache, need a routine procedure such as a cleaning and X-ray exam, or are due for a more major operation such as a root canal or other dental surgery, fearing the dentist’s office should never keep you from undergoing the dental procedures you need to keep your mouth healthy! Dr. Michael Popp does not want you to be one of these people, so let’s look at the different levels of sedation dentistry that can help you get into the dentist’s chair.
Level 1: Minimal Sedation
- You’re awake for the dental procedure, and are in a relaxed state from medication administered to you by Dr. Popp.
Level 2: Moderate Sedation
- Once again, you’re awake; however, you won’t remember much of the visit and you’ll have slurred speech.
Level 3: Deep Sedation
- The deep end of the pool. A hazy place, where you’re in between sleep and consciousness.
Level 4: General Anesthesia
- The slumber number/the real deal. You’re completely unconscious.
Depending on the level of sedation, Dr. Popp can use the following methods to administer the sedation:
- inhaled sedation, which is breathing in nitrous oxide, famously known as laughing gas.
- oral sedation. All dosages will be determined beforehand, after Dr. Popp examines your medical history.
- IV is preferred for moderate sedation, which begins to work quickly and Dr. Popp can adjust levels during the procedure to maintain a comfortable level of sedation.
Once you’re in your preferred level of sedation, Dr. Michael Popp can get to work and solve any of your dental problems and you’ll have a productive experience with minimal discomfort. In fact, you may go from fearing the dentist to enjoying it so much, you won’t be able to wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Before any sedation dentistry, Dr. Popp will examine your medical history, medications for hypertension (high blood pressure) and other prescriptions that need to be taken into consideration before you become a candidate for sedation dentistry.
If you’re a patient with a low pain threshold, hyper-sensitive teeth, a high-level gag reflex or a fear of the dentist, consult with Dr. Michael Popp at Marlborough Dental Centre to find out if sedation dentistry is a solution for you.
For more information on sedation dentistry, or any dental procedure, contact Dr. Popp and his team at Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary on 403-248-2066.
