Do you feel anxious or fearful about your dental care? Are you avoiding the dentist due to your dental anxiety and fear?
At Fuller Dental, we believe that dentistry can be made stress-free for anxious patients with appropriate dental sedation. Sedation at the dentist’s office can enable patients to receive the care they need without feeling anxious. Sedation dentistry is often the perfect solution for dental anxiety, supporting your ability to maintain the health of your smile.
Conscious Sedation for Dentistry in Burlington
Fuller Dental offers sedation dentistry options to meet the needs of the individual patient. The two most common types of dental sedation are forms of conscious sedation. This means that you will feel completely relaxed and stress-free during your treatment without experiencing pain but in control of your body and responsive.
Oral sedation and Nitrous Oxide are forms of conscious sedation that we offer for patients needing to have invasive dentistry or who suffer from dental anxiety. Your Fuller dentist will discuss your needs before treatment and ensure that any dental sedation prescribed is safe for you.
- Oral sedation: This is prescribed as an oral sedative that is often taken at home, so it has time to take effect. With oral sedation, patients will need an escort to and from their dental visit. Oral sedation will need several hours post-treatment to wear off, and patients are unable to resume daily activities until the next day.
- Nitrous Oxide: This is delivered as an inhalation sedation. A tiny cannula is placed beneath the nose just before treatment begins. Nitrous Oxide takes effect and wears off quickly.
IV Sedation for Dentistry
Dr. Sarah Cook is certified to provide IV sedation in our Burlington dental office. Another form of conscious sedation, IV sedation, is administered through an IV and can be adjusted throughout the procedure to maintain your state of relaxation and semi-consciousness. IV sedation is often a better solution for patients needing to be in a relaxed state for a more extended period or may be facing more painful procedures such as an impacted tooth extraction.
IV sedation has a stronger amnesia effect compared to oral sedatives and Nitrous Oxide, and most patients have no recollection of their procedure. Dr. Cook will administer and monitor the sedation for patients to ensure they are stable throughout the treatment.
IV Sedation: what to expect
For this type of sedation, we will place an IV when you arrive and begin the flow of the anesthesia medication just before treatment is to begin. Once the treatment is complete, you will be allowed to slowly awaken and remain relaxed in the chair until you are able to move easily. It will take several hours for the medication to wear off, and patients receiving IV sedation will need an escort for their visit.
If you are receiving IV sedation for your procedure, we will provide preparation instructions to ensure a safe experience. These will include:
- We recommend wearing loose fitting clothing for maximum comfort and ease of movement after your procedure.
- Alert our staff if you develop a cold or do not feel well the day before or the day of your procedure.
- Any other considerations will be discussed with you at your consultation, prior to the procedure.
See our pre- and post-op instructions:
Who Benefits From Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a helpful option for many people who feel nervous or uncomfortable about going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry is not just for one specific group; many different types of patients can benefit from it.
People with Dental Anxiety or Phobia
One of the main groups who benefit from sedation dentistry is people who have dental anxiety or a dental phobia. Dental anxiety is when someone feels nervous or scared about visiting the dentist. For some, it may be a slight nervousness, but others may have a strong fear known as dental phobia.
These fears can make it hard for people to get the dental care they need. Sedation helps them feel more relaxed, making it easier to go through appointments. With sedation, they can feel calm and comfortable while the dentist works, so they no longer need to avoid the dentist due to fear.
People with a Low Pain Tolerance
Some people have a lower tolerance for pain, which can make even minor dental procedures feel unbearable. Sedation can help these patients by making the entire experience less painful or uncomfortable. Some people may still feel discomfort even with local anesthesia, which numbs the treated area. Sedation ensures that they don’t have to worry about feeling pain during their procedure. This makes it easier for the dentist to work and for the patient to stay comfortable throughout the process.
People with Sensitive Teeth or Gag Reflex
People with sensitive teeth often feel more discomfort during dental procedures than others. Even routine cleanings can be uncomfortable for them. Sedation can dull their sensitivity, making the process more tolerable.
Likewise, those with a strong gag reflex may find it difficult to have dental work done. A gag reflex is a natural response when something touches the back of your throat, but it is overly sensitive for some. This can make it hard for dentists to work on their teeth. Sedation relaxes the patient’s muscles and reduces the gag reflex, making dental procedures much smoother.
People with Special Needs
Patients with special needs, such as physical or cognitive disabilities, can also benefit from sedation dentistry. Some may have difficulty sitting still for long periods, while others may not fully understand what’s happening during a dental procedure, which can cause distress. Sedation can help them relax and stay calm, making it easier for the dentist to complete the necessary work. It also helps prevent any involuntary movements that might interfere with the procedure.
People Needing Complex or Lengthy Procedures
Some dental procedures, like wisdom tooth extraction, root canals, or extensive dental implants, take a long time and can be uncomfortable. Patients undergoing these treatments may benefit from sedation because it allows them to stay comfortable for the entire procedure. With sedation, time seems to pass faster, and patients don’t have to worry about feeling restless or uncomfortable during a lengthy appointment.
IV Sedation FAQs
Is IV sedation considered safe for dental procedures?
Yes, IV sedation when administered by a certified professional is safe for most patients. Dr. Cook will discuss your medical history before recommending the use of IV sedation.
Will IV sedation make me feel nauseous?
IV sedation is less likely to induce nausea than other sedation options. However, should you become nauseous after your procedure we can prescribe an anti-nausea medication for your comfort. If you have previously experienced nausea after being sedated please inform Dr. Cook before your procedure.
Will I feel anything with IV sedation?
IV sedation offers the “deepest” conscious sedation for anxious patients. Once sedated, you will not feel any discomfort and may have little to no memory of the treatment. Dr. Cook will monitor your vital signs and make adjustments to the IV drip as needed to ensure your physical comfort and safety throughout your procedure.