Originally posted March 16, 2023
Many patients avoid seeing the dentist twice yearly for check-ups and cleanings because they fear the dentist. In fact, around 36 percent of people fear the dentist, 12 percent have extreme fear, and three percent completely avoid going to the dentist altogether.
For some, going to the dentist recalls an unpleasant childhood experience. Others are uncomfortable with the intimate nature of a dental visit or fear pain.
Sedation dentistry can help. At Park Place Dental in Barrie, ON, we recommend sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety to encourage them to come in for the dental care they need.
Not ready for treatment right away? That's okay! Your first appointment can be a conversation. You can meet the team, talk through your concerns, and learn about your options without any procedures taking place.
How Sedation Dentistry Works and Who It Helps
Most people don't enjoy going to the dentist, but still visit twice a year for routine check-ups. If dental anxiety is too severe even to schedule appointments, the result is often poor oral health, which impacts overall health. Sedation dentistry can help.
For many reasons, sedation dentistry is a viable choice for many patients.
#1 Allows for More Work in Fewer Visits
If you need more than one dental procedure or lengthy treatment, sedation dentistry can ensure your comfort throughout. You will save time by getting everything you need at once, and the dentist can perform the procedures more efficiently.
#2 Minimizes Gag Reflex
Sedation can help control the gag reflex, which can be overly sensitive in some patients.
#3 Improves Quality of Care
Sedation allows the patient to remain still, enabling the dentist to perform their work with greater precision and care.
#4 Accessibility for Patients with Special Needs
For patients with physical or intellectual disabilities that may make standard dental procedures difficult, sedation dentistry can provide a means to receive necessary dental care safely and comfortably.
#5 Decreases Dental Anxiety for Future Visits
If you avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can improve your experience. When people avoid visiting the dentist, their oral health deteriorates, negatively impacting their overall well-being.
#6 Eases Treatment for Older Patients
Sedation dentistry allows older patients to sit comfortably for long periods and complete needed treatments.
#7 Efficient for Complex Dental Issues
For patients undergoing complex or multiple dental treatments, sedation dentistry allows these to be performed with minimal discomfort and movement.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Available in Barrie
At our Barrie, ON, dental clinic, we offer our patients multiple sedation dentistry options, such as:
Nitrous oxide — Nitrous is a gas that you inhale, much like oxygen, and provides instant relaxation. It is a mild level of dental sedation that most describe as feeling warm, light, and floaty. You are aware of what's happening but feel calm and at ease. One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is that the effects typically clear within about five minutes after the gas is turned off, so most patients can drive themselves home.
Intravenous sedation — IV sedation is a deep level of sedation delivered directly into the bloodstream for patients with debilitating anxiety, so patients feel deeply relaxed.
At Park Place Dental, Dr. Joo is licensed and trained to provide IV sedation here at our Barrie, ON, dental clinic. Your comfort is our primary goal, so please talk with one of our dentists if you feel you would benefit from sedation dentistry.
What to Expect: Before and After Your Sedation Appointment
Knowing what to plan for can take some of the stress out of your sedation appointment.
Before your visit:
- If you're receiving IV sedation, you will typically need to avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before your procedure. Our team will give you specific instructions when you book.
- Wear loose, comfortable, short-sleeved clothing to make IV placement easier, if applicable.
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home so you don't have to worry about them.
After your visit:
- If you received only nitrous oxide, you can typically drive yourself home once the effects wear off.
- If you received IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home. You will not be permitted to drive yourself, take a taxi alone, or use rideshare services without an accompanying driver.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after IV sedation. Avoid making important decisions, operating machinery, or returning to work.
Need More Information about Dental Sedation?
If you want to talk to one of our dental professionals about your sedation dentistry options, please give us a call. Dental anxiety shouldn't keep you from getting the dental treatment you need. Call us today at (705) 728-9922.
