Some people have a phobia of visiting the dentist and are afraid of the pain that may be associated with dental treatment (processes). However, there is a way of making patients more comfortable in modern dentistry, for instance, through oral sedation in Vancouver. Oral sedation is a safe and effective way to help people stay calm and comfortable during their dental visits.
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is an approach that dentists use to assist their patients to remain calm and relaxed during dental procedures. It involves swallowing a pill or drinking a liquid one day before the appointment to assist the patient in feeling calm. It doesn’t put you to sleep but it does make you feel quite relaxed and at ease. Sometimes, patients may feel drowsy or even asleep, but they can be awakened by the dentist if necessary.
How Does Oral Sedation Work?
A dental professional will provide you with a sedative medication that you should consume approximately one hour prior to your scheduled appointment. The medication performs its action by impacting the brain to create relaxed feelings. Most people feel relaxed and at ease and some may even forget certain parts of the procedure. It is important to understand that you will not be asleep and will be able to speak to the dentist if required.
Oral sedation is different from general anesthesia where a person is completely asleep. You are awake during the procedure with oral sedation but you won’t feel any pain or anxiety. It is a safe and effective way of managing fear and discomfort.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
- Helps with Dental Anxiety
For people who feel nervous or scared about going to the dentist, oral sedation can be a lifesaver. It helps calm the nerves and reduce feelings of fear, making the dental visit much more pleasant. - Pain-Free Experience
Oral sedation is often used with local anesthesia. This means that while the sedative helps you feel relaxed, the local anesthesia ensures that you won’t feel pain during the procedure. This combination makes the whole experience more comfortable. - No Need for Injections
Some patients are afraid of needles, and injections can make them feel even more anxious. With oral sedation, there are no needles involved. The sedative is taken in pill or liquid form, so you don’t need to worry about injections. - Memory Loss of the Procedure
For many people, the most stressful part of going to the dentist is remembering the treatment afterward. With oral sedation, you may not remember much of the procedure, making it easier to handle future dental visits. - Quick Recovery
Oral sedation wears off relatively quickly. Once your treatment is finished, you’ll begin to feel normal again after a short while. Most patients can go home and resume their daily activities soon after the appointment.
When is Oral Sedation Used?
Oral sedation is often used for people who need longer or more involved procedures, such as fillings, crowns, extractions and more. It’s also helpful for patients who have high anxiety, strong gag reflexes, or difficulty sitting still. By using oral sedation dentistry, the dentist can complete the procedure efficiently while keeping the patient calm and relaxed. This method ensures that patients feel at ease throughout their treatment, making the dental experience much more comfortable.
Is Oral Sedation Safe?
Oral sedation is generally very safe when used properly by a trained dentist, including in oral sedation pediatric dentistry. Before the appointment, the dentist will ask about your child’s medical history to make sure there are no concerns or risks. It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure or bringing someone to drive you home afterward. In most cases, patients recover quickly and don’t experience any side effects.
Feel Calm And Comfortable During Your Dental Visit With Sedation!
At Inspire Dental Group, we understand that going to the dentist can be stressful for some people. That’s why we offer oral sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit. Our friendly team of dentists near you is dedicated to ensuring your experience is as comfortable as possible. Don’t let fear hold you back from getting the care you need. Book your appointment today and enjoy a stress-free dental visit!
