How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

Sedation dentistry helps with relaxation during dental procedures. If you feel anxious, nervous, or fearful when it comes to receiving dental treatment, sedation may be a helpful option for you. Dental anxiety is fairly common, and many patients rely on sedation to get the dental care they need. 

If you’re considering sedation for your next dental procedure, you may be wondering how it works and what to expect. Here’s an overview of sedation dentistry and how we use it in our practice. 

What is Sedation? 

Sedation is the word used to describe medically induced relaxation techniques. There are many different ways that sedation can be administered, but the goal is the same, to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental treatment. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits for patients: 

• Reduces stress. By helping you relax, sedation can reduce the amount of stress you experience leading up to and during dental treatment. 
• Procedures seem shorter. While under sedation you are less aware of all that is going on around you, which can make the time pass more quickly during dental procedures. 
• Relieves dental anxiety. If you have dental anxiety, sedation can help to relieve the symptoms associated with it. It can even provide long term relief of dental anxiety. 
• Makes appointments more efficient. Sedation allows dentists to perform more dental work in a single appointment, reducing the overall number of appointments required.  
• Minimizes sensory impact. While under sedation you are less aware of the sounds, smells, and sensations of dental procedures that may trigger anxiety. 

What Type of Sedation Do You Offer? 

Whitby Dental Studio provides conscious oral sedation. You only need to take a pill before your appointment to feel more relaxed and comfortable. Conscious oral sedation allows you to remain awake for the procedure, but you may feel a little sleepy or groggy and less aware of your surroundings. You may even fall asleep at times during the procedure if you reach a particularly relaxed state. 

Benefits of Conscious Oral Sedation

We offer conscious oral sedation because of the many benefits it offers:

• Remain awake. Conscious oral sedation allows you to remain awake for the procedure, which eliminates the fear of being put to sleep. 
• No needles. If you have a fear of needles, oral sedation can be administered without the use of a needle. 
• No masks. You don’t require any breathing assistance with oral sedation, so there is no mask placed over your mouth or nose. 
• Minimal side effects. Oral sedatives have very little side effects. Most patients tolerate the medication well and feel fine once it wears off. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Can I drive myself home after having sedation? 

An oral sedative can take up to 24 hours to wear off completely, so you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. It is also beneficial to have someone stay with you for the first few hours or until you are feeling normal again. 

Does sedation dentistry require a hospital setting? 

Conscious oral sedation can be administered in the dental office. There is no need for a hospital setting or stay with this type of sedation. 

Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry 

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about an upcoming dental procedure, ask us about our sedation options. Whitby Dental Studio can offer you an oral sedative if it would help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. 
To learn more, call 905-666-2750 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.