Dental sedation can help patients suffering from anxiety or heightened oral sensitivity, to get the treatment they need in a comfortable, stress-free manner. In today's blog, the dentists at Dr. Sophie's offices in Langley and Surrey explain some of the different types of sedation available when undergoing dental work.
What is dental sedation?
If you find that you suffer from high levels of dental anxiety or heightened oral sensitivity, dental sedation may be a way for you to receive the treatment you need in a calm and stress-free manner. Sedation can help dental patients to get through anything from routine cleanings to more invasive dental procedures and treatments comfortably.
Each patient's sedation needs are unique, based on the individual's level of anxiety as well as the length and complexity of the treatment. Our Surrey and Langley dentists evaluate each patient's sedation requirements on a case-by-case basis. If you think that dental sedation could be beneficial for you, speak to our dentists about the sedation options available at our offices.
What are the different types of sedation available for dental work?
Minimal sedation:
- If minimal sedation is right for you, this medication will not cause you to fall asleep. Minimal sedation will give you a calm and relaxed feeling while allowing the you to walk, and talk as normal.
Moderate sedation:
- Under moderate sedation you will still be able to talk, hear and respond but you will feel drowsy and may doze off during your dental procedure. With moderate sedation, local anesthetic will still be used at the treatment site for pain management. You may or may not remember the procedure once the dental treatment is complete.
Deep sedation:
- Deep sedation will put you to sleep, and you will have no memory of your dental procedure. Local anesthetic will still be used at the treatment site for pain management while you are under deep sedation.
General anesthesia:
- General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation used in dentistry. Under this form of sedation you will be unconscious (feel as if they are asleep) and won't feel any pain during your procedure. Your reflexes will be absent and you will require assistance breathing.
At Dr. Sophie's dental offices our team of professionals want you to receive the treatment you need in a stress-free and comfortable manner. If you suffer from dental anxiety, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, resistance to local anesthetic or unusually sensitive oral nerves, dental sedation may be right for you.