Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in North Vancouver
North Vancouver Surgical Centre For Implant & Periodontal Treatment
General Anesthesia
Also known as sleep dentistry, general anesthesia aims to relieve pain and anxiety by rendering patients unconscious during procedures. Sleep dentistry offers a great option for both patients with fear of dentists as well as those who require major dental procedures.
If you follow your dentist's reccommendation and opt for sleep dentistry, the dentist may use either oral medication or IV sedation. Sleep dentistry has aided many patients to overcome profound anxieties in response to dental procedures that impede on patients' optimal oral health.
Oral Conscious Sedation
We also provide oral conscious sedation, also referred to as sedation dentistry. Patients who suffer from anxiety in the face of dental work, as well as patients who require multiple procedures within a single visit, can benefit from conscious sedation.
Oral conscious sedation involves having an oral sedative before your visit, then administering nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to add to the sedative's effects. Your vital signs and comfort level are closely monitored during the operation.
Nitrous Oxide and how does it work?
Normally known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is utilized in surgeries and dentistry for its pain reducing side-effects. It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric sensation, when inhaled. Nitrous oxide is utilized in order to increase patient's relaxation levels and ease anxiety for patients of all ages. The gas (a nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture) is inhaled through a face mask. The volume of gas received is analyzed and regulated by the dentist to ensure your well-being. The dentist can effectuate your dental procedure while you remain comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide fade once the mask is removed, if the gas is the only anesthesia that you are given, you will likely be able to drive yourself home following the visit and can continue on with your daily activities.
IV Conscious Sedation
IV sedation can be used for general anesthesia as well as for conscious sedation. This type of sedation brings about an altered state of consciousness, known as a “twilight” state, which is a unsteady state of mind and a relaxed body. This mode of sedation reduces pain and discomfort with the use of pain relievers and sedatives. Patients who undergo treatments using conscious sedation generally are able to speak to verbal cues while the procedure is underway, conveying any discomfort being felt to the dentist. Once the procedure ends, a small period of amnesia could negate any recollection of the treatment. Following your treatment(s), you will require a drive back to your home from the dental office. The sedative will wear off completely within 24 hours, so that you can resume day-to-day activities.
