It’s common to fear dental treatment – 53% of adults in the UK report anxiety around dental procedures, with 17% so afraid of the dentist, they skip dental appointments altogether. Their fear is putting their dental health at risk, possibly compounding their dental care problems the longer they wait for treatment.
But that doesn’t have to be you. Sedation dentistry (sometimes called sleep dentistry) can make dental treatment less scary. In fact, many patients say they remember little about their visit and felt completely relaxed throughout. It’s not a perfect solution for every patient or procedure, but for some, it’s a brilliant option.
Find out if sedation dentistry is right for you, and get some answers about this dreamy solution to dental phobia and anxiety.
Who’s a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Patients seek sedation dentistry for a variety of reasons, including:
Fear of the dentist: The most commonly-cited reason to choose sedation dentistry is fearing dental visits, checkups, and treatments. Whether it’s a fleeting anxiety or a deep-rooted phobia, sedation dentistry is an excellent antidote.
Low pain tolerance: While our Love-Teeth dentists are exceptionally gentle with our patients, there can be a small amount of pain associated with dental treatment. If your pain tolerance is very low, sedation dentistry can take the edge off. You’ll enjoy a much more relaxed dental experience without the discomfort.
Strong gag reflex: If dental procedures are uncomfortable for you because you have a strong gag reflex, sedation dentistry can help. Sedative drugs can actually suppress your gag reflex, so you’re less likely to gag or choke during checkups and procedures.
Extensive dental work: Long procedures or multiple dental procedures in one day can feel like an endurance test, and it’s often far more comfortable to remain sedated while they’re performed.
Struggle to sit still: Some patients find it hard to sit still for long periods, and sedation allows them to relax. You can choose a minimal sedation option that keeps you calm while still lucid and aware of your surroundings.
Which procedures are right for sedation dentistry?
While we always offer local anesthetic to help numb your mouth and gums during routine procedures, this simple approach might not be enough to calm very nervous or distressed patients. Sedation dentistry is excellent for keeping patients comfortable during procedures like:
Tooth extractions: From simple extractions to surgical extractions, sedation can make removing a tooth a smooth, easy experience.
Dental implants: Placing dental implants involves drilling into the jawbone, so oral or IV sedation is necessary to manage the pain and keep patients relaxed and comfortable.
Root canals: This procedure gets a bad rep, but even though they’re not usually as painful as rumours say, oral sedation and laughing gas can help.
Gum surgery and periodontal treatments: Deep cleanings, gum grafts, and pocket reduction surgery can cause pain and discomfort, so we recommend sedation during these procedures.
Oral reconstruction: When a patient requires extensive crown, bridge, or veneer work, IV or oral sedation can make the experience more tolerable.
What kinds of sedation do you offer?
We don’t offer general anesthesia at our Love-Teeth offices. General anesthesia leaves you completely unconscious, and it’s a heavy-handed option that’s inappropriate in a dental office setting.
But we do offer several other types of sedation, and we recommend each one based on the patient’s preference and the type of procedure they’re undergoing.
Inhalation sedation or laughing gas
Similar to the gas and air given during childbirth, inhalation sedation (sometimes called laughing gas) is an effective, light-touch option. It’s a form of conscious sedation that keeps you awake but relaxed – and almost entirely pain-free.
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nose piece and you continue to receive it throughout the procedure. That way, the effects won’t wear off while you’re still in the chair and the dentist can work away while you rest comfortably.
Oral sedation
With oral sedation methods, you’re given a sedative drug in pill form. This is another moderate sedation method that leaves you calm throughout the procedure, but you’ll need to take your tablets in advance of your appointment to get the full effect.
IV sedation
We use IV sedation when patients need deep sedation without being fully put to sleep. It’s the right option for patients with an extreme fear of the dentist, or who are undergoing more intensive procedures.
What to know about sedation dentistry before you book
Patients usually have lots of questions about sedation dentistry, and it’s important to feel knowledgeable and prepared for your visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you book:
- You’ll feel very little, including pain. Most patients report that they were either awake but remarkably relaxed during their procedure or in a twilight state of consciousness. You might feel sore in the days after your dental appointment, but you’re unlikely to feel any pain during it.
- Everyone tolerates sedatives differently, and it might take a while for the sedative to wear off after your procedure. The type of sedation you had, your body size, and your unique chemical makeup make it impossible to predict how long you’ll feel the effects of your sedative.
- You’ll need a driver to give you a lift home after your visit. Even if you feel perfectly capable of driving, you’ll still be under the influence of a sedative. You and other drivers on the road will get home safer with someone else behind the wheel.
Book your sedation dentistry appointment
Most dentists agree – sedation is a great answer to anxiety, low pain tolerance, and other situations that make sitting in the chair a stressful experience.
Your Love-Teeth dentist will chat with you about whether sedation is the right choice for you and your dental care, so book your next appointment and chat with the team about sedation to get started.
