One of the greatest concerns people have about visiting a dentist is whether they’ll have to endure a painful experience. As a result, many will forego the much-needed appointments all together, which leaves them more susceptible to problems like cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and a host of other issues. Their apprehensions can be squelched, though, by receiving care from a sedation dentist in Toronto. As you read further, you’ll discover how local anaesthesia and sedation dentistry can help you, too, have a relaxed and painless experience. Additionally, you’ll get an idea of which type of care is best suited to meet your needs.
The Difference Between Local Anaesthesia and Sedation Dentistry
Because several dental procedures can cause a mild-to-moderate degree of discomfort, a dentist can apply local anaesthesia (a numbing medication) to the treatment site beforehand to temporarily prevent any pain sensations. Thus, no matter what type of care you receive, you won’t have to endure a torturous experience.
Sedation dentistry, on the other hand, is designed to help you overcome any apprehension, anxiety or phobia you may have about an upcoming dental procedure. Its calming effects can also be used in situations where a patient has any cognitive challenges or struggles with sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time.
Your Sedation Dentistry Options
Here are some of the available options to make your experience an enjoyable one:
- Oral Sedation – The medication is delivered in pill form to help patients manage more acute bouts of anxiety or phobia.
- Nitrous Oxide – Delivered via a nasal mask to provide a mild-calming effect, it is the most common form of sedation dentistry.
- IV Sedation – The medication is administered intravenously to deliver rapid results.
- General Anaesthesia/Dentistry Asleep® – Using a combination of medications, it puts you completely asleep, which allows for several or more complex treatments to be performed in a single visit.
What Type of Sedation Dentistry Do I Need?
The best way to determine which type of sedation dentistry will work best for you is to visit your local dentist for a consultation. This will allow you to discuss any concerns you may have in a non-judgmental environment, and to learn more about the available forms of sedation dentistry. Then, a plan of action specific to your situation can be formulated so that you can get the help you need in a calm and pleasant manner.
To remove any barriers to achieving excellent oral health, be proactive and schedule a visit with your sedation dentist today.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann is a graduate of the University of Toronto. He later went on to earn a Specialty Certificate in Dental Anaesthesia from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. Dann provides sedation dentistry so his patients can experience oral health excellence in a painless and stress-free environment at Dentistry Asleep®, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
