Do the words “Dental Exam” cause you to break out in cold sweat? Does “Dentist Appointment” make you want to run away and hide? Have you been avoiding your dentist for years because of this fear?
You are not alone. A Canadian survey by in 2012 revealed that worldwide about 4% to 20% of people have some form of dental anxiety.
But is there a way to combat dental anxiety? Perhaps you should consider Sleep Dentistry.
City Dental Centre in Surrey provides Sleep Dentistry services for patients with anxiety problems or phobias. But this is also a good alternative for patients who have an allergy to local anesthesia or those with severe gag reflex. People with a low tolerance for pain and who will have to go through a long and complex procedure will also benefit.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry uses different forms of sedation.
Despite its name, not all types of Sleep Dentistry mean the patient would be asleep. With some types of medicines used, the patient might be conscious. However, they will be calm and relaxed for the procedure.
What types of sedation are used for Sleep Dentistry?
First of all, there’s nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”. This gas has an excellent safety record, according to a study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They even use it for pediatric procedures. And it’s even used to alleviate the pains of childbirth.
The gas is mixed with oxygen and is administered through a mask. This mask will stay on during the entire procedure. The gas itself takes about five minutes to work.
Second is the use of oral sedation, where the medicine will be in pill or liquid form. This is usually taken as soon as the patient arrives at the dental clinic.
The third is general anesthesia. Unlike the other two types, the patient will be unconscious for the whole procedure. The drug is administered through an injection.
Is it Suitable for You?
When considering whether or not Sleep Dentistry is suitable for you, your physical and mental health will need to be taken into account. If you have certain health conditions, you will need clearance from your physician.
Please be advised that depending on the type of sedation, you will need time to recuperate from the medicine before being able to go home. You will be able to drive yourself home after a Sleep Dentistry procedure using nitrous oxide but the use of general anesthesia may mean that you need some time to recuperate.
Sleep Dentistry is also available for children. City Dental Centre is a premier provider of children dentistry in Surrey, BC. It also offers pediatric Sleep Dentistry services.
If you’re in the Surrey area and wish to know more about Sleep Dentistry and whether it’s right for you, please contact City Dental Centre. Our trained staff in Surrey can help you with any questions you may have, so schedule for a free consultation today.
