Short answer
Sedation dentistry uses medicine to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment. It is different from the local anesthetic that numbs the area being treated. Your dentist will ask about your health and medications to decide whether sedation is safe for you.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation helps you feel relaxed or drowsy during a dental visit. It is used on its own for anxiety or alongside a local anesthetic, which numbs the teeth and gums so you do not feel pain.
Who may benefit?
- People who feel nervous or afraid about dental visits.
- People who have had a bad experience in the past.
- People who find it hard to stay still, or who have a strong gag reflex.
- Patients having longer or more involved treatment.
Not everyone needs sedation. Many people manage well with a calm, gentle approach and a local anesthetic.
Levels and types of sedation
Dentists describe sedation in levels, from light to deep. In general, lighter levels leave you awake but relaxed, while deeper levels make you very drowsy and less aware of the treatment. The medicine can be given in different ways, such as a gas that you breathe, a tablet you swallow, or medicine given through a vein.
Which options are available depends on the clinic, the treatment and your health.
How to prepare
- Tell your dentist about your medical history, medications, supplements, allergies, and whether you may be pregnant.
- Follow the instructions about eating and drinking before your visit.
- Arrange for someone to take you home if your dentist advises it, because you may feel drowsy.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
During and after the appointment
The team keeps a close eye on you during treatment. Afterwards you may feel sleepy, light-headed or forgetful for a while, depending on the type of sedation. Rest for the remainder of the day and follow the aftercare instructions. Do not drive, use machinery or make important decisions until your dentist says it is safe.
Safety
Sedation is usually safe when it is given by trained professionals to patients who have been screened. Risks depend on the type used and on your health. Ask your dentist what monitoring is used, what happens if you react badly, and who will be with you throughout.
Questions to ask
- What type of sedation do you recommend for me, and why?
- How will I feel during and after?
- What are the risks for my health and medications?
- Who will monitor me?
- Will I need someone to take me home?
- What does it cost, and is any of it covered by my insurance?
Frequently asked questions
- What is sedation dentistry?
- It is the use of medicine to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment.
- Will I be asleep?
- It depends on the level of sedation. Lighter levels keep you awake. Deeper levels leave you very drowsy. Your dentist will explain what to expect.
- Is sedation safe?
- It is generally safe when given by trained professionals to screened patients. Your dentist will review your health first.
- Do I need someone to drive me home?
- Often yes, depending on the type of sedation. Your dentist will tell you.
- Can children have sedation?
- In some cases. This is decided by the dentist and depends on the child and the treatment.
Next step
If dental visits make you anxious, you can read about the clinic's sedation service or call to talk it through. Wetaskiwin Smiles is at 3600 56 St Unit 101, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3T5. Call (780) 396-4040 or request an appointment online.