Have you ever gotten nervous or anxious during your dentist’s appointment? Unfortunately, this is a common problem that even causes people to neglect the oral health issues they may be having. It’s important you get the oral health care you need, but how can you get it if you’re too anxious to sit in the chair? Read on to learn how a sedation dentist in Scarborough can make your dental visit stress-free and relaxing.
How to Relax at the Dentist’s Office
For years, dentistry has gotten a bad rap for painful procedures and unpleasant visits. While the dentist’s office may not be your favorite place to go, your dentist in Scarborough has modern-day methods to make your treatments easy and relaxing.
Sedation dentistry is a way for dentists to take your stress and anxiety out of the treatment process. This magical relaxation method can be used for complex procedures, or something as simple as teeth cleaning.
Types of Sedation Methods
There are different types of sedation, and the best one for you will depend on what procedures you may need and your specific stress level. Learn more about the 4 most common sedation methods below:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. Breathing in this gas will keep you calm and relaxed, and the best part is that when the mask is taken off, the effects wear off relatively quickly. This means you can go on with your day as planned without dealing with a cloudy mind, and you’ll have the full function of your motor skills.
Oral Sedation
For minimally invasive procedures in which you want to be sedated, your dentist will give you a pill to take an hour before your visit. This pill is in the Valium family, so it will make you drowsy, but you’ll also remain conscious and aware of verbal cues. You may even fall asleep, but you can easily be wakened at the end of the treatment with a gentle shake on the shoulder.
Intravenous Sedation
For patients that aren’t able to swallow pills or don’t want to, your dentist may also offer intravenous sedation. This option is where a sedative is injected into a vein for quick relaxation. A benefit of this method is that your dentist can regulate the level of sedation you receive during your procedure.
Anesthesia and Deep Sedation
If your dental procedure is invasive and you have stress or anxiety, you can be put to sleep through general anesthesia. Typically, you will be completely unconscious with this method, and you won’t be able to wake up until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off naturally.
It’s important you get in to see your dentist to receive the care you need. Talk to your dentist about which sedation method is right for you, so you can have a relaxing and stress-free visit.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Gus Bal is a 4-year winner of “Best Dentist in Scarborough.” He continues to make impressive achievements like this one because of the personalized care he gives to his patients. He offers sedation in his office because he knows dental visits can be stressful. He currently runs his own practice, and can be contacted through his website or by phone at (416) 267-6789 for any questions.
