Sedation and Laughing Gas : )
Dental anxiety is a term used to describe fear, anxiety or stress in a dental setting. Fear of the dentist is very common and it can be difficult for many people to deal with. Unfortunately, being scared to visit the dentist often also results in delaying or avoiding dental treatment which can result in the need for emergency dental care or more complex treatment.
At Viva Dental Victoria, we believe that regular dental check-ups, cleanings and X-rays can help prevent dental disease. The dentist find any problems early, so that simpler and less complex treatment is needed.
If you experience dental anxiety, please talk to us about sedation for your dental appointments. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation as safe and effective ways to ensure your comfort and manage anxiety. We will do everything we can to calm your fears.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation, also called minimal conscious sedation, involves taking a prescribed dose of a sedative before your procedure. This type of sedation leaves you awake for the procedure but in a relaxed, calm mood that will allow your dentist to effectively do what they’re supposed to. Oral sedation is a safe, effective way of ensuring comfort and managing anxiety.
The oral sedative generally used for minimal sedation is a type of Benzodiazepine drug - most commonly Triazolam (short acting) or Ativan (longer acting). These drugs decrease activity in the parts of the brain that control fear and anxiety. Usually sedation involves taking one pill about one hour before the dental appointment. Sometimes an additional dose is given on the night before the procedure to help with anxiety-related
insomnia. While you are under oral sedation, you may have a pulse oximeter clipped to your finger for additional safety to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen (breathing)
The sedative will leave you feeling sleepy, but by the next day all the effects will have worn off. You will need a ride home from your appointment and possibly to the office as well if you took a dose the night before, so plan with a friend or family member in advance.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation or Laughing Gas : )
In spite of this name, nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas” does not cause uncontrollable laughter, however, it is capable of helping patients feel relaxed and comfortable. It is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is a odourless gas that is not intended to put you to sleep but rather help you feel more comfortable and reduce anxiety during dental procedures. You will be less aware of pain and less anxious but will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have.
When administering nitrous oxide, your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few 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.
Nitrous oxide sedation is very safe because the amount of nitrous oxide delivered to the patient is carefully controlled by a digital mixing system. In addition, effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed usually allowing the patient to drive home shortly after their appointment!
Talk to your dentist about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.
Pros and Cons
Oral sedation is safe, easy to administer, and leaves you drowsy but awake. However, it is not immediately effective, it lasts longer than your appointment, the sedation level is not easily changed and you are not able to drive while under its effects.
Like oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation is also safe, easy to administer and you are drowsy but awake. However, it is easier to control the level of sedation and the effects wear off quickly when the procedure is over. The disadvantages of nitrous sedation are few, including the need to wear a nose mask and occasionally dizziness or nausea.
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.
Dental sedation does involve an additional fee which may not be covered by your dental insurance. Please check with our administrative staff regarding fees.
Dentist Qualifications and Sedation Team Requirements
All dentists who utilize sedation must successfully complete a sedation course acceptable to College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. that is designed to produce competency in the specific type of sedation used. All members of the sedation team must maintain current certification in basic life support for health care provider (CPR- HCP). Certification must be renewed every two years.