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Sedation Dentistry

for a healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of.

Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety is an all-too real problem for many and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. At Bayshore Dental Centre our sedation options include oral pills and nitrous oxide. You’re sure to find a solution that works best for your needs.

Oral Sedation

ORAL SEDATION

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake. Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic — numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth — to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.
Nitrous Oxide

NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen is safe and the most common inhaled anesthetic used in dentistry to control patient anxiety and pain in both children and adults. Nitrous oxide is a gas that’s administered through the nose and exhaled through the mouth, eliminating it from the body almost immediately. Before receiving dental treatment, a mask is placed over the nose of the patient. This allows the dentist to work on the mouth uninterrupted. Nitrous oxide is mainly used in conjunction with a local dental anesthesia, which is still necessary to numb your mouth during dental treatment .

Sometimes called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is one option your dentist may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

Talk to your dentist about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

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