Dental appointments can be nerve-wracking for some people. Luckily, there are options to help make visits to the dentist more comfortable. In this post, our Surrey dentists offer some information about different types of dental sedation, what it feels like, and how it helps make dental care less stressful.

How can dental sedation help me during my visit?

Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments and can be especially useful during long or more invasive procedures such as tooth extractions. There are normally three different types of sedation: oral, nitrous oxide, and IV. At Hanin Dental Surrey, we offer a variety of dental sedation options to help ease the anxiety felt by some patients so that each visit can be as relaxing as possible.

Sedation may be helpful for patients who are extremely anxious about dental procedures, need complicated treatment, or have a strong gag reflex. Before giving you sedation, your dentist will perform a health check and diagnostics to ensure that this treatment will be safe for you.

What is nitrous oxide?

Many people know nitrous oxide by its other name - laughing gas. It is a gas that can be inhaled to help relieve stress and anxiety. Because everyone is different, the gas levels can be easily adjusted throughout your appointment to meet your needs.

What is oral sedation?

If you undergo oral sedation, you will be given oral medication in pill or liquid form. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to help you sleep better, or one hour before to help you relax before and during treatment.

What is IV sedation?

Intravenous sedation, also known as monitored anesthesia care or "twilight sleep," is a type of anesthesia that helps a patient relax by inserting an intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein. Except for those under general anesthesia, patients are usually awake during the procedure.

What can I expect while under dental sedation?

For patients who experience fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist, dental sedation can help ease nerves. No matter how sleepy you are, you will remain awake and able to interact with your dentist and follow instructions throughout your procedure. If you do doze off, a light shake should shake you out of it.

With conscious oral sedation, typically, patients have little recollection of the procedure. After being sedated with oral sedation, many patients report having a conscious dream. Oral sedation usually allows for a faster recovery than general anesthesia.

You will be monitored through every stage of your visit while under dental sedation to help ensure your health and safety.

When will I be able to drive after having dental sedation?

A trusted friend or family member should drive you to and from your sedation appointment. Although sedation is only temporary, you may be drowsy enough to drive. Because dental sedation can take several hours to leave your system, your dentist will instruct you to not drive for a certain amount of time after your procedure. Please adhere to these guidelines.

Don't let anxiety or dental phobias keep you from getting the care you need. Our dental team will consult with you and perform any necessary diagnostics to determine if dental sedation may be suitable for you and discuss the different options we have at Hanin Dental Surrey.