We firmly believe dental visits should not be scary. Our staff work hard to create a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Cadigan is well known for providing gentle dental care. Even so, we know that many patients still feel anxious or fearful at the thought of receiving dental care. If you’re nervous about the dentist, we can provide sedation to ensure the entire experience feels more comfortable and relaxing, effectively managing dental fears, stress and anxieties.
There are two options for sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For oral conscious sedation, we give you a pill to take around an hour before treatment. You’ll be relaxed and comfortable. The pill is suitable for moderate-length procedures lasting an hour or two. If you need longer treatment, we can safely give you an extra dose.
IV Sedation
Another option is IV sedation. With this treatment, you’ll be in a condition of conscious twilight, still aware of your surroundings so that you can interact with the dentist, but totally relaxed and free of any discomfort. It usually takes just 5 minutes for the IV to take effect.
Some guidelines for IV Sedation
Do not eat anything for 8 hours prior to your appointment.
Do not consume grapefruit (including juice) for 3 days prior to sedation as it affects the metabolism of the sedative.
Only drink clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to your appointment. No milk, no orange juice. Apple juice is ok. Only small amounts of water or Gatorade can be sipped up till 2 hours before your appointment. Stop taking anything by mouth (except approved medication) 2 hours before your appointment.
Wear loose comfortable clothing and consider that we will need access to your arms for the administration of injections and monitoring your blood pressure.
A clip will be placed on your finger to continuously monitor your blood oxygenation and pulse while you are sedated. It does not work well with nail varnish or fake nails. Therefore, they should be removed before your appointment. Please do not wear heavy make-up and for men, clean shaven is preferred.
What to Expect With Sedation?
You’ll experience a calming effect, making you feel much less anxious and relaxed as the sedation takes effect. You will remain awake during treatment and able to communicate with our team but may not be fully aware of what is happening. You’ll also remember very little about your treatment, so your visit is far less stressful.
You cannot drive after either type of oral sedation, so you will need a friend or family member to take you home.
Who Should Consider Sedation?
Dental sedation can help people who find ongoing preventive dentistry hard to tolerate or need lengthier treatment to restore oral health. Sedation dentistry can help anyone delaying dental care because of anxiety or fear or who finds the thought of seeing a dentist a little overwhelming.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
All sedation carries a small level of risk, but these methods are widely used and very safe. We review your medical history carefully beforehand to ensure the treatment is appropriate. We monitor you closely while in the dental chair and will keep you with us for a short while afterwards to make sure it is absolutely safe for you to go home and rest.
Using sedation allows our patients to have a more pleasant and relaxing treatment. A more positive experience in the dental chair can make it easier to see a dentist in the future, overcoming anxieties and receiving regular ongoing preventive dentistry.
If you find it difficult to see a dentist, don’t hesitate to contact our staff and talk to our friendly team.
