At Surrey Place Dental Group, we know that a dental office can be an anxiety-inducing or stressful place for many people. This is why we offer oral sedation to patients who wish to have a more relaxed experience.
For people who avoid dentists for reasons of fear, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures like extractions and root canals to a routine dental cleaning.
We use medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are fully awake but will not feel as much anxiety from the environment around them.
Sedation is most appropriate for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist. Common reasons why we may discuss sedation for you are that you may:
- have a low pain threshold
- can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
- have very sensitive teeth
- have a bad gag reflex
- need a large amount of dental work completed
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Do you feel pain with sedation dentistry?
You do not feel pain with sedation dentistry. The more convincing answer: Dentists use a combination of sedation and anesthetic to keep you relaxed and pain-free throughout your procedure. Many patients leave the appointment with little to no memory of their treatment and feel good afterward.
How long does dental sedation last?
Essentially, oral sedation will suppress the gag reflex, suppress pain responses, reduce anxiety, and more. However, these dental sedation methods usually last anywhere from two to eight hours after the procedure. The type of drug you take will determine how long it will take the sedation to wear off.
What is sedation dentistry? Who can benefit from it?
Sedation dentistry uses calming medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s especially helpful for those with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, sensitive teeth, or difficulty sitting still. Our team of dentists offers sedation to make your visit more comfortable and stress-free, whether you’re here for a cleaning or a more complex procedure. Many patients who avoided dental care for years will find that sedation dentistry makes all the difference.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
When administered by trained professionals like our team of dentists, sedation dentistry is considered safe. Before recommending any sedation, we review your medical history and any medications you’re taking to ensure the best option for your needs. Our team closely monitors your vital signs during treatment to ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
What types of sedation are available at Surrey Place Dental?
We currently offer oral conscious sedation, which involves taking medication before the procedure that helps you stay relaxed but awake.Â
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Not necessarily. With oral sedation, you remain conscious and responsive but feel deeply relaxed. Some patients feel so calm that they remember very little of the visit. Unlike general anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep and is reserved for hospital settings, oral sedation is designed to reduce anxiety while still allowing communication between you and our team of dentists during the appointment.
How do I prepare for a sedation dental appointment?
For oral sedation, you’ll need to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment, and you may be advised to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand. Our team of dentists will provide personalized instructions before your visit to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Will I feel any pain during the procedure with sedation?
One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that it helps significantly reduce pain and discomfort. In addition to the sedative, our team of dentists will still use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, ensuring you remain pain-free. Most patients report feeling calm and unaware of any discomfort during their procedure, even those who’ve had negative dental experiences in the past.
Can sedation help if I haven’t seen a dentist in years due to fear?
Absolutely! Sedation dentistry can be a game-changer for patients who’ve been put off care due to dental phobia. Whether you’re anxious about past experiences, embarrassed about the condition of your teeth, or simply afraid of discomfort, sedation can help you finally get the care you need. Our team of dentists creates a welcoming, judgment-free environment so you can ease back into dental visits at your own pace, with the help of gentle sedation to keep you comfortable.
