If the thought of visiting the dentist makes your palms sweat and heart race, you’re not alone. An estimated 20% of North Americans experience dental anxiety severe enough that they avoid making appointments to visit the dentist. Sadly, this means the state of their oral health is substandard or worse.
Hey, we get it. Being confined in a dental chair is no one’s favourite pastime, all the more so when there’s a real fear involved. But there is a solution. Sedation dentistry here at Forest Lawn Dental Centre in Calgary can help you quell your anxiety and ensure your teeth get the TLC they need.
How It Works
You’ll need to fast for six hours before the procedure. Most people find it easiest to schedule their appointment first thing in the morning so that abstaining from food and drink isn’t much of a problem. About an hour before the procedure, you’ll swallow a strong sedative. When the capsule takes effect, you’ll become drowsy and relaxed. You may even fall asleep. You won’t ever be entirely unconscious but many of our patients report that they don’t recall the details of their appointment afterwards. You’ll likely need to take the day off work, as sleepiness may persist for the rest of the day. And driving post-appointment is an absolute no-no, so you’ll need to find someone to pick you up afterwards.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Sedation?
Although sedation dentistry isn’t right for everyone, there’s a good chance that it’s right for you. If you’re in reasonably good health and not taking any medication that could impact the way you respond to the sedative, you’re probably a good candidate. Your sedation dentist in Calgary will make a thorough assessment of your health before proceeding. The types of patients that benefit most from sedation during dental procedures include:
Those with dental phobias
Children who won’t cooperate for dental procedures
People with extremely sensitive teeth and/ or a low pain threshold
Adults or children who can’t sit still
Those who require an extensive amount of work completed
Anyone with dental anxiety
You Should Also Know… Sedation dentistry is safe for most people. Though extra caution needs to be taken when using sedatives with children and the elderly, it’s still a viable option in most cases. A qualified sedation dentist in Calgary, like those at Forest Lawn Dental Centre, will have the experience and training needed to care for patients utilizing sedatives. We’re also highly empathetic of your dental anxiety and will go the extra mile to put you at ease. If you have any question about sedation dentistry or wish to schedule an appointment, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.