FAQs:

Sedation Dentist in Surrey answers your frequently asked questions

Fear of the dentist is more common than you might think. You may have put off appointments in the past yourself due to worries of painful procedures, negative experiences with past dental work, or phobia of needles. You may have heard of sedation dentistry as a comfortable solution to nerves in the dentist’s chair. A Surrey-based sedation dentist can answer all the frequently asked questions you may have about this option, and provide an individually tailored, caring and compassionate alternative to ensure you get the treatment you want.

Why am I so nervous to see my dentist?

Many patients can find visits to the dentist a stressful experience. But when your anxiety holds you back from taking the first step, it can be helpful to look at the reasons why.

Past negative experience with either dental procedures or poor relationships with previous dentists

Particularly sensitive teeth

Resistance to local anaesthetic

Embarrassment of your teeth – particularly if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long period

Gag reflex interfering with procedures

Fears of drills or needles

General high anxiety

If you found yourself identifying with one or more of these worries, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

In sedation dentistry, medication is administered to the patient before or during the procedure, to ensure you are in a comfortable, anxiety-free state while your dental work is completed. There are various options available depending on the individual needs of the patient and levels of anxiety involved.

What are my options for sedation?

Inhalation Sedation (Laughing gas) – Controlled sedation where the patient inhales gas through a mask connected to a machine. Designed for simpler procedures and lower levels of anxiety. A good option for very young children.

Oral Sedation – Ingestion of a sedative, in pill or liquid form before the procedure. A weaker alternative to IV sedation, if the patient has phobia of needles.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation – Sedative injected directly into the vein, with the dosage controlled by your dentist. This is a fast-acting procedure and the most effective for highly anxious patients.

Will I be awake for the procedure?

Yes. You will remain conscious, but in an intensely relaxed state. You will be able to respond to your dentist’s instructions but will be heavily distracted from the procedure. A lengthy appointment will appear to pass much quicker than reality, and it is likely you will remember little of the process.

Can children be sedated?

Absolutely. IV sedation can usually be used for older children and teenagers. However, for younger kids Inhalation Sedation may be the best option when IV sedation is not viable.

Will it be painful?

Sedation dentistry is designed for patients with phobia of pain in mind. The tooth or the area will still usually need to be anaesthetised after the sedation, hence there will not be any pain during your procedure, with IV sedation being the most effective in this regard.

How long will the procedure take?

This varies greatly depending on the extent of work needed, and the patient’s own needs. Longer procedures may take up to an hour or two.

How quickly will I recover from the sedative?

This is dependent on the length of appointment, method of sedation, and dosage during the procedure. For shorter procedures involving nitrous oxide, the recovery will be rapid, and you will be safe to drive afterwards. For IV and oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, as the sedative will take time to wear off. Avoid consumption of alcohol, driving and operation of heavy machinery. By the next day, you will have recovered.

Are there any risks?

Sedation dentistry is generally a safe as well as a relaxing option. However, patients with heart and respiratory conditions, and those with diabetes may require a doctor’s consultation and note before a procedure can go ahead. Similarly, obesity and sleep apnoea may be obstacles to controlled sedation.