Sedation Dentistry: Is It The Right Choice For You?
Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Are you or your kids afraid of going to a dental clinic? Does the thought of having a wisdom tooth extraction make you cringe?
If so, sedation dentistry might be a good option to explore. Sedation dentistry refers to the administering of a sedative into the body during your treatment to induce relaxation. This offers a number of benefits for patients who are anxious about dental procedures. Including reducing fear so patients will feel more relaxed during their procedure.
Additionally, sedation can help reduce pain and discomfort during dental procedures. In some cases, sedation may even be used to help patients who have difficulty getting numb during dental procedures.It is proven to reduce stress and help patients relax during procedures.
Here at Family Dental Centre (FDC) we offer sedation dentistry for our patients in Singapore who experience dental-related anxiety. This ensures that you have a peaceful and smooth treatment experience, so you can keep up with your dental care without worries.
If you’ve never tried sedation dentistry before but are now considering its benefits for your next dental visit, this article has all you need to know about how it works, why it’s effective, and whether it’s right for you.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
This can be done by breathing in nitrous oxide (sometimes called ‘happy air’ or ‘happy gas’) through the nose in a process called inhalation sedation, or via an intravenous (IV) inserted into your vein.
During inhalation sedation you are awake throughout the process but experiencing a relaxed and calm effect that minimises pain and anxiety. You might even fall asleep due to the relaxing effects of the sedation. Inhalation sedation is the type most commonly used for children’s dental treatments.
IV sedation is typically used for more intensive procedures such as tooth implants, wisdom teeth removal, or oral tumour surgery. During your dental care appointment, the anaesthetist will introduce a thin needle attached to an intravenous tube into a vein on your arm. You may receive a local numbing agent prior to the injection. Once the needle is placed, it is connected to an IV setup which allows the amount of sedation to be finetuned throughout the procedure.
Inhalation sedation can be administered by any trained dentist, whereas IV sedation can only be administered by a certified anaesthetist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry right for you?
Sedation dentistry is suitable for patients of almost all ages who are apprehensive about needles, the dentist, and dental care procedures. Your dentist may also recommend it if you are undergoing treatments such as wisdom tooth extraction, braces, tooth implants, or other invasive dental services.
Prior to confirming an appointment with sedation dentistry it is best to discuss your options with you or your children’s dentist. Our friendly dentists here at FDC will have a consultation with you to determine if sedation is suitable for you, and if so, what type of sedation is recommended.
Contact us or book an appointment with any of our dentists today to learn more about sedation dentistry and how we can help you achieve optimal oral health. We offer affordable treatment services designed specifically for each patient at our dental clinics across Singapore.
