sedation

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Dental anxiety is a very common condition that affects a significant portion of the population.  It can range from mild uneasiness to severe fear or phobia, leading to avoiding dental care altogether.  Dental anxiety can be a significant barrier to maintaining good oral health.  At River North Dental Centre one of our main goals is to provide support and strategies to minimize dental anxiety among our patients.

Sedation dentistry is often described as sleep dentistry.  It involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures.  It is particularly beneficial for individuals with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing extensive dental work.  Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe dental experience and minimizes anxiety for those who are nervous of the dentist.

In order to undergo sedation, you will require a consultation appointment with the dentist beforehand.  Here, you will decide with the dentist which type of sedation is right for you.  You will be given a signed consent form that must be signed before your sedation appointment.  You will require an escort to and from your sedation appointment, you cannot drive to or from our office if you are being sedated orally or through an IV.

Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide):

• Commonly known as "laughing gas."
• Administered through a mask placed over the nose.
• Provides a minimal level of sedation.
• Effects wear off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the procedure.

Oral Sedation:

• Taken in pill form, usually an hour before the procedure.
• Common medications induce a drowsy but awake state.
• The level of sedation can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the dose.
• Requires an escort to and from your appointment (patients cannot drive themselves home after the procedure).

IV Sedation:

• Administered through an IV, allowing for rapid adjustment of the sedation level.
• Provides a moderate level of sedation.
• The patient may not remember the procedure.
• Requires an escort to and from your appointment (patients cannot drive themselves home after the procedure).