Do dental offices make you feel anxious?
Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist and wish to avoid it at all costs. However, going to the dentist is vital for maintaining an attractive smile and a healthy body.
Dr. Terence Lau and Dr. Casey Lau offer a variety of sedation options to make your dental trip easier for you. Our team at Mid-Valley Dental Care is trained in sedation dentistry and will ensure your safety the entire time
Not anxious? Sedation can still help
Our patients choose to use sedation for many reasons. In addition to feeling fear or anxiety, patients often opt for sedation if they:
- Have a low pain threshold
- Require a large amount of dental work
- Have sensitive teeth
- Have a gag reflex that makes receiving dental care difficult
- Are unable to sit still in the dentist’s chair
- Want dental work done in fewer visits
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Our lowest level of sedation allows you to relax during the procedure and still drive yourself home afterward.
The dentist will place a mask, called a nasal hood, over your nose which allows you to breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The dentist can easily control the amount of sedation administered so you can relax completely. This gas also wears off quickly, allowing you to function fully after the procedure.
Oral Sedation
If you need more sedation to feel comfortable, oral sedation is a good option for you. We will give you a pill or liquid prior to the procedure that will help you remain calm and make you drowsy without falling asleep.
This type of sedation takes a while to wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
IV Sedation
Intravenous, or IV, sedation lowers your awareness level even more, reducing the intensity of sight, sound, and feelings during the procedure. IV sedation is administered directly through the vein where it begins to work almost immediately. The level of sedation is constantly controlled to ensure the dose you receive is correct throughout the procedure.
You may need medical clearance from your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Cardiac disease
This type of sedation is deeper and takes a long time to wear off, so make sure you have someone with you who can drive you home.
Dental Sedation FAQs
What can I expect with dental sedation?
Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you can expect a few different things. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you’ll feel completely relaxed and stress-free while staying awake.
If you receive IV sedation, which is the strongest form of conscious sedation, you should expect to have moderate to high levels of amnesia during the procedure. You also may still feel drowsy after the procedure, so we recommend having a driver take you home.
Will I feel any pain during the procedure?
In most cases, patients do not feel anything during the procedure. With the help of the sedatives and any numbing gel used, you’ll likely be comfortable and calm throughout your treatment.
If you do experience any discomfort, it’s expected to occur at the end of your procedure when the sedatives wear off, as well as throughout your recovery period.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe, though, especially when given by experienced dentists and on-staff anesthesiologists.
However, in some cases, obese people or sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea should discuss all potential complications of sedation with Dr. Lau beforehand to ensure their safety.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
A good candidate for sedation dentistry is anyone with dental anxiety or phobia. If you have any of the following fears or concerns, talk with us about our sedation options:
- Fear of needles and/or shots
- Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
- Can’t handle the smells or noises of being at a dentist’s office
- Have overly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or trouble getting numb
- Require a more complex dental treatment
- Wish to have a more comfortable dental treatment
Allow Yourself to Relax
Our team wants your visit to be the very best it can be. If you’re interested in dental sedation, Dr. Terence Lau and Dr. Casey Lau will review your situation and go over your sedation options with you. Then you can kick back, relax, and let us restore your smile.
Contact us now to discuss these sedation options.