Is dental sedation safe?

Visiting the dentist can make some people nervous. You should know that you are not alone. Many patients report feeling anxious prior to their visit. Today, our Langley dentists share some advice for feeling more relaxed during your appointment and how dental sedation may be able to help.

How can dental sedation help me?

Dental sedation is commonly used to help patients feel more relaxed when it comes to dental visits. It can be administered orally or inhaled. Patients who need complex care or have a strong gag reflex, and also nervous patients, may enjoy dental sedation.

Dental sedation allows our dentists to offer a lower-stress appointment so our patients can receive the critical oral health care they need to keep their mouths healthy.

Are there different options for dental sedation?

Although we do not offer sedation options at Redwoods Dental, we believe it necessary to educate our clients in all aspects of dentistry. 

There are three types of dental sedation. They are:

Oral sedation

This form of dental sedation is taken as a liquid or pill. You take these medications the night before an appointment to help you sleep, and/or one hour before your appointment to reduce anxiety before and during treatment.

Laughing gas

Laughing gas is a type of dental sedation also known as nitrous oxide. This type is an inhaled gas that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Since every person is unique, the gas levels can be changed to suit your needs throughout your appointment.

IV sedation

IV sedation refers to medications that can be administered directly into the bloodstream through the vein for the deepest level of sedation short of general anesthesia.

You will be completely awake throughout your visit but will be at ease and unable to feel any pain.

Is dental sedation safe?

Generally, dental sedation is considered a safe option to help patients relax. Before prescribing the sedative, your dentist will review your medical history and discuss whether dental sedation is the best course of action for you.

The dental team will continue to monitor you during your visit to ensure that there are no adverse effects and will act quickly if there are. After your appointment, it's normal to feel sleepy, but this state will pass as the day goes on.

It's important to set up a friend or family member to help with bringing you to and from your appointment as you should never drive after receiving dental sedation.

Note: This post is for informational purposes only. Redwoods Dental does not offer dental sedation. 

If you get stressed out or anxious about visiting the dentist, contact our Langley dentists to see how we can help make you feel more relaxed.