Sedation
Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in Pembroke, ON
Relax During Your Dental Appointment
Whether as a result of a bad negative experience or a fear of dental tools, about 36 percent of American adults struggle with some type of dental phobia. Avoiding routine dental maintenance because of these feelings can take a toll on your long-term oral health.
At Parkview Dental, Dr. James Munro is proud to offer dental sedation methods to help you relax during your visit. Our expert dentist in Pembroke, ON and team have years of training and experience in sedation dentistry. This revolutionary treatment is ideal for letting our patients relax while our team provides any number of services. Read more about sedation dentistry with Dr. Munro by exploring our guide below.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the administration of clinically proven medications that relax your muscles and your mind so you can receive the necessary dental care. Throughout your procedure, a member of our team will monitor your vitals and make sure you’re at ease. Our attention to detail regarding your care is what makes Dr. Munro one of the best dentists in Pembroke for dental sedation.
When Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
If you’re unsure whether or not you suffer from dental anxiety, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Increased sweating
- Trembling
- Heightened heart rate
- Restlessness
- Short, shallow breathing
Any of the above symptoms can make your routine dental appointments more stressful than they need to be. Discuss your options for dental sedation at your initial consultation with Dr. Munro, and he’ll discuss your options for dental sedatives.
Our Sedation Dentistry Methods
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a medication by mouth that puts you in a deep state of relaxation. We’ll administer this type of sedation at least one hour in advance, so it’ll have time to take effect before your procedure. While oral dental sedation doesn’t make you fall asleep, you’ll enter a state of complete calmness, and likely won’t remember the procedure when it’s finished.
Because it takes some time for the effects to wear off, you should arrange for someone you trust to drive you to and from your appointment. It’s normal to experience some nausea and dizziness following oral conscious sedation, though any effects should fade within 24 hours.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, has been a popular form of sedation for many years. By simply breathing in the gas through a small nasal mask, you’ll begin to feel deeply relaxed. You’ll remain conscious and responsive throughout your treatment, although you won’t remember the details of the procedure when you wake up.
Nitrous oxide sedation wears off faster than oral sedation, but we still recommend having someone accompany you home from your appointment. Afterward, you’ll be able to carry out your day as normal.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the strongest form of dental sedation our Pembroke dentist offers. We generally reserve this option for complex procedures, such as dental implant placements or periodontal treatments. With general anesthesia, our team takes extra care to ensure your safety throughout your treatment.
Patients may have to have a brief stay in the hospital after undergoing general anesthesia to ensure they don’t experience any serious side effects. Dr. Munro is one of only a few dentists in Pembroke who offer hospital privileges for general anesthesia patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental sedation safe?
As long as it’s administered by a licensed sedation dentist such as Dr. Munro, dental sedation is completely safe. A member of our team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure they remain stable. In the unlikely event that any issues arise, we’ll stop your treatment and reverse the sedation at once.
Certain health conditions such as obesity or sleep apnea may lead to complications from dental sedatives. Make sure to inform Dr. Munro of any medical conditions that you have so he can determine if sedation is safe for you at your initial appointment.
Will I be awake during my procedure?
A common misconception about dental sedation is that you’ll fall asleep during your procedure, though this isn’t the case. If you choose nitrous oxide or oral sedation, you’ll remain awake and responsive. However, you’ll be deeply relaxed and likely won’t remember your treatment later. This state of consciousness is often referred to as “twilight sleep.”
For especially intensive procedures, we also offer general anesthesia. This is the only form of sedation at our practice that will allow you to enter a state of unconsciousness. Dr. Munro is one of only a few dentists in the Renfrew County area who offer hospital privileges.
How long does dental sedation last?
The duration of dental sedation’s effects depends on the type of sedation you underwent. Nitrous oxide is an easily reversible method, while oral conscious sedation may leave you feeling groggy, with effects wearing off after a few hours.
Following dental sedation, it’s normal to experience:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness