An Introduction to Sedation Dentistry in North Vancouver

If you are one of the many people who still don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis, you might be interested to find out more about how sedation dentistry (or sleep dentistry as it is sometimes known) can help make your next dentist visit more relaxing.

Sedation, or sleep dentistry, has become more popular in dental clinics over recent years.

In sedation dentistry, your dentist will use medication to help you relax in the dentist’s chair.

Despite coining the name “sleep dentistry”, patients are usually awake throughout the procedure.

Different medications and sedation techniques can be used depending on the type of treatment that is being administered by the dentist, as well as the level of dental anxiety you usually experience.

At the lower end of the spectrum, sedation dentistry allows you to be awake and conscious, but just a little more relaxed.

On the upper end of the spectrum, your dentist may choose to recommend a deep sedation or even a general anesthetic.

Sedation dentistry has become more popular in recent years mainly because it helps to alleviate levels of dental anxiety in patients who may not necessarily look forward to their regular trips to the dentist.

Another major advantage of sedation dentistry is as a time saving procedure.

If you need a lot of dentistry work doing, sedation dentistry allows your dentist to achieve more in a shorter period of time. Often, multiple visits that would otherwise need to be spread over the course of several months, can be condensed into one single visit when sedation is used.

Yes.

Sedation dentistry is very safe.

There have been a lot of advances in sedation techniques over the last decade or so, and recent years have seen a surge in popularity for sedation in the dentist clinic.

There are different levels of sedation available to patients and they can be administered in different ways. Some are administered through inhaling gas, some by taking a pill and others by IV.

Modern sedation practices are considered extremely safe and there are very few, if any, unwanted side effects following the procedure.

With deeper levels of sedation, patients may even find that they have little to no memory of the procedure – making it a great option for those patients who suffer from dental anxiety or have had traumatic dental experiences in the past.

Most modern dental clinics will be able to offer sedation dentistry to patients who feel like they would benefit from it in their next dental visit.

Here at Pier Dental Centre, we offer sedation dentistry services to all of our patients in North Vancouver.

If you would like to discuss your situation further or make an appointment, please call 604-986-9161.