Going to the dentist shouldn’t be cause for alarm. But if you are one of the millions who suffer from dental anxiety, the experience can be pretty overwhelming. Fortunately, when you choose a compassionate, experienced, and gentle dentist, dental care can be smooth and stress-free. Plus, sedation dentistry can further calm your nerves and make your appointment go by in the blink of an eye!
At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we offer three types of sedation. We will discuss your options prior to your appointment, helping you to select the best sedation method for your needs.
To learn more about sedation or to ask any additional questions not covered here, please contact a member of our team.
Who is a candidate for dental sedation?
1 in 6 adults and 1 in 10 children suffer from dental anxiety. 5% of Australians suffer from more severe dental phobia. Patients with anxiety may experience heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, or difficulty sleeping the night before a dental visit. Dental phobia can be crippling, causing patients to delay necessary dental care for years.
Your dentist will need to check with your physician if you suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease. However, with careful monitoring, many patients with these conditions are still able to receive sedation.
Dental sedation is also appropriate for patients who do not have anxiety but are preparing for a lengthier procedure, such as an extraction or implant surgery.
What are the different types of sedation?
At Magic Smiles, we have three sedation options.
- Nitrous oxide: This odorless, colorless gas is also known as “happy gas” or “laughing gas.” You will inhale it through a face mask, while a member of our team carefully monitors the amount you receive, making adjustments as needed.
- Penthrox®: Penthrox, the brand name for methoxyflurane, is another clear inhaled gas with similar effects to nitrous oxide.
- Oral sedation: If you suffer from more intense dental anxiety, oral sedation may be the solution. We will prescribe anti-anxiety medications, which will make you extremely relaxed so that you may even fall asleep during your treatment.
Is sedation safe?
Yes! Dental sedation has very few side effects. The few effects it does have – such as nausea and sleepiness – are very mild and wear off quickly. Moreover, we closely adhere to the sedation guidelines provided by the Australian Dental Association.
Can kids receive dental sedation?
Absolutely! Children need lower doses of medication, but when they are given the right amounts, sedation is safe for little patients.
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry reminds parents of the importance of fasting prior to a child receiving sedation. We are happy to provide further instructions about preparing your child for his or her appointment.
Schedule an Appointment with a Gentle Dentist
With our personalized, compassionate approach, there is no reason to delay your dental care. Contact us to learn more about sedation or to book an appointment.
