Hockey has been your sport for as long as you can remember. Whether it was tempting fate on the frozen lake with your friends or playing a bit in college, you’ve always made time for it. You’re in the middle of watching a game now when a player gets forcefully driven into the side of the rink. A normal human would be left in traction, but they just get up and flash a toothless smile. This makes you shudder because it reminds you that you are going to the dentist next week. You, like millions of others, suffer from anxiety when it comes to the dentist. You know you need to visit them regularly, but it’s such a stress on your mind. Is there a way it could be easier for you? Dr. Kevin Dann, a sedation dentist in Toronto, knows how to help you, and that is through Dentistry Asleep.
Benefits of Sedation
Many people miss out on the dental care they need because they are afraid of going to the dentist. This typically sees them wait until they are in a large amount of pain and are forced to go, which only adds to the anxiety. Nervous patients who do make it to the chair usually take longer to heal, and suffer more discomfort. Dentistry Asleep offers a variety of sedation techniques that can help a patient through different procedures while staying relaxed. A dentist can sedate a patient in a few different ways, depending on their particular needs.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” Despite this distinction, it does not help the patient find dentistry oddly hilarious. It is a gas that is useful in helping patients who suffer mild anxiety. The gas is applied by having the patient wear a small mask on their nose. They breathe normally and the gas takes effect in about a minute. Most describe it as a warming, comforting sensation, and some even feel like they are floating. This will enable the dentist to perform whatever procedure they need and leave the patient calm and relaxed. Once the mask is removed, the patient will return to normal in about a minute and can go about their day.
Oral Sedation
Another option for patients who experience mild anxiety is oral sedation. The dentist will prescribe medication to the patient and they will be instructed to take a pill at a specified time before the scheduled procedure. By the time it starts, the medication should have started working. The patient will be awake, but a calm feeling will overtake them. While it can’t eliminate anxious thoughts, it can make them very manageable. Patients who undergo oral sedation are advised to have a family member or trusted person transport them to and from the office, as well as monitor them for the rest of the day after the procedure. The effects of the medication should wear off by the next morning.
IV Sedation
For more severe anxiety, Dr. Dann may suggest IV Sedation. This is the heaviest form of conscious sedation that is offered. It is administered through a vein in the arm and will put the patient in a serene state. Once again, another person should drive and keep an eye on the person being sedated in order to assure their safety
Full Sleep
Patients who suffer crippling anxiety have the option of full sleep sedation. This is a lighter form of general anesthesia that a patient may experience in a hospital when having surgery. The patient will not be conscious for the procedure, and probably have limited memory of it afterwards. Full sleep is much less stressful on the body than general anesthesia, but can still assure the patient will be completely sedated. Your safety and vitals will be thoroughly monitored while in full sleep sedation.
We’re Here to Help
We can assure that we will listen to your concerns. We will not judge you for having anxiety; it is a very common thing. We can also guarantee that we will do everything we can to make your visit with us comfortable. If you have any questions, please give us a call today.
