Sedation Dentistry

Fear and anxiety about dental treatments is very common and completely understandable – however, there are now a variety of ways you can reduce your fears and experience an anxiety-free, even pleasant, visit to the dentist. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Duncan Copp and our team here at The Paddington Dental Surgery offer sedation dentistry techniques that include oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and homeopathic options to help you totally relax during your visit with us. We are also accredited to offer full sedation dentistry involving general anaesthetics at a nearby day surgery.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety can cause patients to avoid going to the dentist, ultimately increasing their chances of developing severe problems with their teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry is a way to alleviate any nervousness and anxiety associated with visiting the dentist and can help patients who are:

  • Nervous about needles and instruments coming near their teeth and gums
  • Uncomfortable with the sounds and tastes associated with dental procedures
  • Affected by teeth and gums that are very sensitive
  • Nervous about dental conditions that may require longer treatment times
  • Have trouble feeling numb after injections of local anesthetic
  • Have very complex dental problems

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is one of the easiest ways for you to obtain dental procedures while experiencing a feeling of near-total relaxation. There is no IV anesthetics required and you will not be completely unconscious during your treatment. Oral conscious sedation involves the taking of a single pill about one hour before your procedure. Once the treatment begins, you should feel incredibly relaxed and you should experience a virtually painless procedure. While under conscious sedation, you will still be able to communicate with our dental team, but you will be in such a deep state of relaxation you may not even remember the procedure taking place once it’s complete. A member of our staff will be monitoring your progress throughout the procedure to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Other Sedation Dentistry Techniques

The Paddington Dental Surgery also offers a number of other sedation dentistry techniques to help you relieve any stress you may be feeling about dental work. Happy gas is one of the most common forms of dental sedation. It works by administering small doses of happy gas to put you in a consciously relaxed state during treatment. We also offer IV sedation to put you to sleep during treatment for more complex dental work and for patients who have a high level of anxiety. An anesthetist will be present for procedures that utilise intravenous sedation.

Our dentists can also provide patients with homeopathic sedatives. These are herbal alternatives that can help you feel more comfortable during treatment.

Never let fear of the dentist keep you from receiving vital dental work. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we can help you improve both the appearance and health of your teeth while giving you the most comfortable, pain-free treatment possible.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry

Would you like to learn more about your sedation options? Our skilled dentists have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry. If you have a question not addressed here, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team today.

What are the different types of sedation?

There are many types of sedation available, and the most common are happy gas, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. We also offer a selection of homeopathic options that can help you feel more relaxed and calm during your treatment. We will talk to you about your concerns and determine which approach is ideal for your needs and goals.

What is the difference between sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is an umbrella term that refers to an array of techniques used to help reduce dental fear and anxiety. Significant apprehension is often addressed with oral or intravenous (IV) medication. Oral conscious sedation allows you to remain awake and responsive but completely at ease. You should be able to forget the experience entirely by the time the medication wears off. With IV sedation, you can receive a mild dose of general anaesthesia and remain awake (twilight dentistry) or be placed in an unconscious state (sleep dentistry) for the duration of the treatment. With both methods, you should have no memory of the experience.

Can any dentist perform sedation?

Many dentists use happy gas to help calm patients that are nervous about treatment. For more advanced sedation, additional training is required. We will have an anaesthetist present for your procedure if IV sedation is used. Our dentists are extensively experienced utilising oral conscious sedation, and our on-site naturopath can recommend some holistic dentistry options in the event you prefer a more natural solution. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and pain-free dentistry.

Is it safe to use?

All forms of sedation dentistry can be used safely when performed by a skilled dentist on an appropriate patient. For these reasons, we will carefully review your medical history and ensure you have the best-qualified team around you should you choose to receive sedation.

Which sedation technique is right for me?

Every patient’s needs are unique. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your concerns and your level of anxiety to help determine which method is ideal for you. Additionally, we will evaluate your medical history, consider the type of treatment you’ll be receiving, and weigh other factors to guide your decision. Your comfort and wellbeing are our top priorities, and we will work with you to find a solution that makes your dental experience as pleasant as possible.

For more information on our sedation dentistry options or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

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