Many of our patients at Bloor West Smiles experience some anxiety because of their dental procedures. We understand, and better yet, we can help. Fortunately, an oral sedative is a safe and effective way to help you feel more comfortable during your appointment.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedation uses a pill, which is taken one hour before your dental procedure. It provides minimal to moderate sedation by dulling your senses without putting you to sleep.
Your size and weight significantly affect the strength of the sedative. Thus, your dentist will provide the appropriately strengthened sedative required for your dental procedure.
How strong is an oral sedative?
The nature of your dental procedure determines how strong the oral sedative should be. Minimal sedation, provided by a lower dose pill, makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. However, you won’t lose consciousness.
On the other hand, a larger dose results in more moderate sedation. In this case, you may feel groggy enough to fall asleep during the procedure. Don’t worry, though—your dentist can wake you with a gentle shake if need be!
When do you need oral sedation?
Sedation is best for patients that already feel anxious about visiting the
dentist. If you’re legitimately afraid of a
dental procedure or have a phobia of needles, oral sedation can help. You will feel more relaxed and comfortable during your appointment.
Furthermore, oral sedation reduces the likelihood of an inopportune gag reflex. This is better for the dental procedure and, therefore, better for you.
Here are some cases where oral sedation is most beneficial for patients:
- If you experience anxiety or fear due to dental procedures/needles.
- If you have a low pain tolerance.
- If your teeth are too sensitive for local anesthesia.
- If you have an active gag reflex.
- If you find it difficult to sit still in a dentist’s chair.
- If you require large amounts of dental work.
How does oral sedation make you feel?
Oral sedation makes you feel drowsy, relaxed, and comfortable. Your worries and anxieties fade away. During the procedure, you will experience light sedation. However, you are still awake and responsive.
Additionally, you may feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, hands, and feet.
What are the benefits of oral sedation?
Oral sedation has many great advantages over other sedation methods. The benefits include the following:
- Easy to administrate: It’s the easiest sedation technique to administer. All you have to do is swallow a pill an hour before your procedure.
- Non-invasive: Oral sedation is non-invasive, making it the perfect option for anyone with a fear of needles.
- You’re conscious: Although oral sedatives make you feel comfortable and relaxed, you do not lose consciousness—unless you fall asleep, of course!
- Amnesia: You won’t lose consciousness. However, most of our patients at Bloor West Smiles have little to no memory of the dental procedure when they take an oral sedative. This is especially beneficial for anyone with dental anxiety since you won’t remember what happened during your procedure.
- Safety: All oral sedatives are perfectly safe to use. Side effects are also less common.
What to Expect During Oral Sedation
Before the Procedure
You take the oral sedative one hour before your dental procedure. Once the sedation begins to take effect, your dentist monitors your breathing and blood pressure to ensure they remain in the normal range.
During the Procedure
The sedation creates positive feelings of drowsiness and relaxation. You are freed from worry, stress, and anxiety throughout the procedure. Your limbs may feel heavy and relaxed, and they may tingle slightly. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience sedation differently based on their size and weight.
If your dental procedure is invasive, your dentist might administer additional local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
After the Procedure
Once the procedure is complete, your dentist checks your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to see if everything is normal.
Since oral sedation can have some lingering effects, a friend or family member should be ready to drive you home after your appointment. You should avoid working or participating in intense physical activity until all side effects have worn off. In the meantime, you may experience nausea, drowsiness, headaches, or a general feeling of sluggishness.
Other Types of Sedation Methods
There are many sedation dentistry methods available for patients at Bloor West Smiles, including the following mentioned below. All are used to make you feel more at ease during your procedure. Before you receive any sedation,
let your dentist know about any medication that you are taking.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is administered alongside oxygen to produce a calming effect in patients. You will not lose consciousness, and you will still be able to communicate with your dental team. There are rarely any side effects of nitrous oxide. Plus, the effects wear off almost immediately once the gas is flushed out with oxygen.
IV Moderate Sedation
This form of sedation is injected directly into the bloodstream. It has immediate effects, and patients often feel as if they slept through their procedure. Many feel groggy or sleepy afterward. Since it is administered through a needle, it is not recommended for those with a severe phobia of needles.
General Anaesthesia and Deep Sedation
Both general anesthesia and deep sedation are administered through medication. You will be nearly or fully unconscious throughout the procedure.
Is sedation safe?
Oral sedation (and other forms of sedation) are very safe and effective. Your dentist will determine the best sedation method for you based on the nature of the procedure and your medical history.
Consequently, it is essential that you are open about any medication or medical treatments that you are receiving. Additionally, let your dentist know if you have any allergies or if you may be pregnant.
Oral Sedation Dentistry at Bloor West Smiles
If you experience anxiety due to your dental appointments or have a phobia of needles, an oral sedative may be right for you.
At Bloor West Smiles, we provide oral sedation dentistry for our patients to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. Whether your procedure requires sedation or if you’re just feeling a little nervous, talk to your dentist about oral sedation.
To learn more about oral sedation dentistry in Bloor West, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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