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Have you put off your routine dentistry because you dread a trip to the dental clinic? Do you feel uncomfortable when sitting for long periods of time? Or perhaps you have a strong gag reflex that makes dental appointments stressful.
At United Dental Clinic Warriewood, our dentists offer a solution to make dentistry accessible and comfortable, even if you have had a traumatic experience in the past.
Sedation Dentistry in Warriewood, NSW
Our dentists offer two types of sedation dentistry to meet the needs of our patients: oral sedation and IV sedation. Dr. Karan Baran, Dr. Adam Roach and Dr. Anna completely understand and empathise with patients who struggle with their dental appointments.
Our kind and compassionate team are gifted at making even the most fearful dental patients feel at ease. We are intent listeners, have a gentle touch and are dedicated to patient-centred care. And for those who need a little help relaxing, sedation dentistry is an affordable and common solution.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Sedation dentistry is often referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’. This is also called conscious sedation. Most patients report little to no memory of their procedure, which significantly benefits our fearful patients.
Because we use powerful anti-anxiety medications during sedation dentistry, our dental team will take an updated medical history along with a medications list to ensure sedation dentistry is appropriate for you. Avoiding medical and prescription interactions will ensure you stay safe and comfortable throughout your dental appointment.
Patients who opt for sedation dentistry often have one of the following:
- Fear or anxiety
- Lengthy treatment appointments
- Strong gag reflex
- Physical or mental limitations that make sitting difficult
- Sensitive teeth
- Complex dental conditions
- History of dental trauma
Some patients who opt for sedation dentistry simply prefer to relax during their appointment time.
Various Levels Of Sedation Dentistry
Several levels of sedation are practised in dental sedation, including:
- Minimal sedation – you’ll be awake; however, you won’t experience any discomfort pr pain.
- Moderate sedation – you might have slurred speech and might not recollect about the procedure.
- Deep sedation – you remain on the edge of consciousness but can be awakened.
- General anaesthesia – you’re completely unconscious and be awakened only after the sedative effect wears off or after receiving reversal therapy.
Oral Sedation Dentistry in Warriewood
Oral sedation dentistry requires that the patient take medication prior to their dental appointment. This single-dose type of sedation is appropriate for people who have mild to moderate dental anxiety or physical limitations.
Our dentists will also use appropriate anaesthetics during your appointment for a pain-free experience. Our team will monitor your vital signs and keep you comfortable throughout the treatment process.
IV Sedation Dentistry
Like oral sedation, IV sedation dentistry requires the use of relaxants and anti-anxiety medication. The most significant difference with IV sedation is that our dentists can control the level of sedation throughout your procedure.
IV sedation is particularly beneficial for patients with longer appointments, who are resistant to oral medications, or who metabolise medications slowly. Because the dentist can increase or decrease the level of medication throughout, it gives them more control over your comfort level.
Our clinical team at United Dental Clinic Warriewood will monitor your vitals throughout the procedure and ensure that you stay comfortable.
What You Should Know About Sedation Dentistry?
While having oral and IV sedation most patients are so relaxed, they doze off periodically. You will be able to respond to the dentist and staff and answer questions.
Ready to Learn More about Sedation Dentistry? We Welcome Your Queries!
FAQs On Sedation Dentistry
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Everyone?
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients; however, some medical conditions and medications may disqualify you from having sedation. The best way to find out what is appropriate for you is to arrange a booking to speak with one of our Warriewood dentists.
Even if you cannot have sedation medication, our dentists are committed to your physical and mental well-being and can provide alternatives to make dental appointments comfortable for you.
Should You Consume Food Before Sedation Dentistry?
We strongly recommend against eating food before receiving dental sedation.
- For solid food, the recommended duration is at least 6 hours prior to your dental appointment.
- For liquids, you can consume them two hours before the appointment.
The reason is after receiving the dental sedation, the body’s reflexes pause temporarily. Therefore, your digestive process will stop. And if you’ve any food/liquid in your stomach, it might regurgitate, making you vomit, and food can get stuck in your throat.
Should You Drive After Receiving Dental Sedation?
You will need to arrange a ride to and from your dental appointment because the effects of sedation linger.
It’s best to avoid operating a vehicle, heavy machinery or making any important decisions for the remainder of the day. You should plan to relax for the rest of the day after sedation dentistry.
Does Dental Sedation Actually Work?
Sedation dentistry has been proven to be effective for both simple dental procedures (tooth cleaning) and intricate dental treatment (extraction, multiple root canal treatment).
Dental sedatives surely help individuals to relax and alleviate dental fear regarding treatments.
However, certain drugs or medical conditions might inhibit or contradict the use of certain forms of dental sedation.
Conscious dental sedation definitely works. However, you should consult our team of dentists. Depending on your dental work, the severity of dental anxiety, and medical history, we’ll recommend the best dental plan for optimal comfort during the procedure.
Are Dental Sedatives Safe During Pregnancy?
Most dental sedatives are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Approved agents for dental sedation isn’t harmful to the fetus.
However, inform our dentist about the pregnancy prior to the dental procedure involving sedatives. It is even more crucial to take care of your oral health during pregnancy.
At United Dental Clinic, your comfort is our priority. If, at any time, you think of something that will give you greater peace of mind while you’re with us, please reach out and let us know. You can call us on 02 8076 0363.