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Relax and Recline: The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Experience stress-free smiles with sedation dentistry, offering a relaxed and comfortable way to manage dental anxiety and enjoy your dental visits.


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Do you ever wish you could go to the dentist and relax while in the reclining chair? Sedation dentistry in SW Calgary is a stress-free option for most dental treatments. This process helps you stay calm so the dentist can do their work without you squirming around. Sedation puts you in a relaxed state or complete drowsiness to prevent you from feeling any part of the procedure.

Who Can Get SW Calgary Sedation Dentistry?

Almost anyone can undergo sedation at the dentist. It is often recommended if you have dental anxiety, a low pain tolerance, or need a complex treatment. Speak with your dentist about your medical history and other concerns to know if sedation is right for you.

Types of Dental Sedation

Your dentist will inform you which type of sedation is suited to the treatment you are receiving. There are three main types of sedation.

1. IV Sedation – Medication is administered into your bloodstream through the intravenous process. You will feel extremely relaxed but still be conscious. It is imperative that someone drives you home afterwards as the medication takes time to wear off and you will still be drowsy.

2. Nitrous Oxide – Laughing gas is inhaled through a mask or nosepiece, allowing you to feel drowsy, but be aware of what is going on around you. This type of sedation wears off quickly, giving you the option to drive yourself home.  

3. Oral Sedation – Medication is given to you typically in the form of a pill. The effects of the medication help induce a sense of calm but keep you cognitive during treatment. You will require someone to drive you home and monitor you for a few hours after treatment since you will be drowsy.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in SW Calgary

There is an array of benefits when it comes to dental treatments using sedation.

  • Less Time – It is possible to spend less time in the dentist’s chair when you are being treated with dental sedation. Since you are more relaxed, the dentist can get straight to work without stopping treatment to help you feel at ease. It is also easier to perform delicate tasks when there is little to no movement from you.
  • Safe – When you squirm around during a treatment the dentist might accidentally poke your gums. This is less likely when you are under sedation because you are in a peaceful state in the dental chair.
  • Reduced Anxiety – When you have little to no dental anxiety you are more likely to visit the dentist. It is crucial to see the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, to help ensure good oral health. These appointments are also important for catching problems early before they become a larger issue.
  • Pain Management – You can handle a dentist appointment when you remove the element of pain. A sedated patient will be less fearful and adjust better because the experience is positive.  Sedation helps you overcome nerves so you can get the treatment you need to keep your mouth feeling comfortable.
  • Positive Association – Show your kids a visit to the dentist is nothing to fear. This will help them feel calm when it’s their turn to get a check-up.  When they see that your oral health improves after a visit to the dentist, they are likely to associate positivity with a dental office. It helps ensure they will continue this routine as they get older.
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Common Treatments with Dental Sedation

Do you have one of the following treatments coming up at the dentist?

  • Root canal
  • Wisdom tooth extraction
  • Dental implants

These treatments along with other types of oral surgery will likely require sedation to help you be relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

Preparing for Your Dental Sedation Appointment

Before getting sedation at the dentist, it is imperative to review the pre-procedure steps your dentist recommends.  This could include nothing at all or fasting for some time.

Take time to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment and take care of you if need be.

Let your dentist know if there are any changes in your health or medications as this may affect the treatment.

It is helpful to wear something to the dentist that is comfortable and doesn’t get in the way of the work. Avoiding jewelry around your ears and neck is a great help.

Post-Treatment Steps

Always follow the recommended recovery steps after a major dental procedure involving sedation. Your dentist will let you know what these steps are depending on your treatment. This can be anything from extra rest to ensuring you don’t eat hard foods until your mouth has had a chance to heal. This helps to ensure a smooth recovery.

Ready for Treatment

Let us, at Glenbrook Dental, help you be calm and confident for any dental procedure. We take time to discuss all your options and prepare you for sedation dentistry in SW Calgary. Your dental experience should be a positive one.