Sedation/Sleep Dentistry

It is common for many patients to feel nervous or anxious about their dental procedures. With sedation dentistry you can be calm, comfortable or even asleep through the entire procedure! Our anaesthesia team has advanced training to help with your anxiety, by administering medications to make you feel more comfortable.

Do you avoid getting the dental care you need and deserve because you feel fearful or anxious?
Have you missed your dental appointments, avoided scheduling important dental treatment like fillings or crowns, or suffered through agonizing tooth pain because the mere thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you nervous?

This safe and effective technique is beneficial for anyone who:

Suffers from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist.
Has had a traumatic dental experience in the past.
Has neurological disorders that make holding still in a dental chair difficult.
Needs extensive dental work done, with little time to do it.
Has extremely sensitive teeth.
Has trouble getting numb by other methods.
Has difficulty due to gagging.

FAQs

What is sedation and anaesthesia?
The anxiety that some people have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs. A combination of drugs can provide relaxation, amnesia, additional pain control, and even deep sleep. Depending on the patient and the procedure, an anaesthetic plan is prescribed that is tailored specifically to meet your needs.
How is the medication administered?
The sedative and anaesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV). During the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of medications to make you relaxed and comfortable instantaneously. Patients who are anxious about receiving an IV may be given a sedative pill in our dental office, 45 minutes prior to the appointment.
How am I monitored during the procedure?
All of your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and EKG are monitored closely during the entire procedure by our anesthesia team.

Nitrous Oxide in Clinical Practice: A Breath of Fresh Air for Dental Patients

In modern dentistry, patient comfort and relaxation during dental procedures are of paramount importance. To ensure a pleasant experience and alleviate anxiety, the dentists at Dental864 utilize various techniques and sedation methods. One such widely-used sedation agent is nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.”

Nitrous oxide is a colourless and odourless gas that has been used as a sedation agent in dentistry for over a century. It is a safe and effective method of conscious sedation, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen and is administered through a specialized mask or nasal hood.

Advantages of Nitrous Oxide:

Anxiety and Fear Reduction: Nitrous oxide is particularly useful in managing dental anxiety and fear, which can be significant barriers to oral healthcare. It induces a sense of relaxation, euphoria, and well-being, enabling patients to undergo dental treatments with reduced stress and apprehension.
Rapid Onset and Recovery: Nitrous oxide’s sedative effects are noticeable within minutes, providing quick relief to patients. After the procedure, it is swiftly eliminated from the body, allowing patients to resume their normal activities without prolonged recovery periods.
Individualized Sedation Levels: One significant advantage of nitrous oxide is its ability to be tailored to each patient’s needs. Dental professionals can adjust the concentration of nitrous oxide during the procedure to maintain an optimal sedation level, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
Minimal Side Effects: Compared to other sedation methods, nitrous oxide has minimal side effects. It does not cause a complete loss of consciousness and is generally well-tolerated by patients. Furthermore, its short half-life reduces the risk of prolonged sedation and eliminates the need for post-procedure escorting.

Safety Considerations:

Proper Administration: Nitrous oxide should be administered by trained dental professionals who are knowledgeable about its effects, contraindications, and potential risks. Accurate monitoring of the patient’s vital signs is crucial throughout the procedure.
Patient Selection: While nitrous oxide is generally safe, certain patient populations may not be suitable candidates for its use. Individuals with respiratory conditions, recent ear surgery, or those who have a history of substance abuse may require alternative sedation options.
Potential Adverse Effects: Although rare, some patients may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, or shivering during or after nitrous oxide administration. These effects are typically mild and transient.
Contraindications: Nitrous oxide is contraindicated for pregnant women in the first trimester, individuals with a vitamin B12 deficiency, and those with a history of pneumothorax or bowel obstruction.