Sedation and Sleep Dentists in Hamilton, Ontario

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, also know as sleep dentistry, has been around for over 100 years and has continued to evolve over the last 40 years as more options are made available to patients. In order to perform sedation, dentists are required to become accredited and complete additional training.

While it is common practice to be sedated by doctors for medical procedures, for some time there has been the misconception that routine dental treatments are not uncomfortable enough to justify the use of sedation. Fortunately, dental sedation is now used worldwide. It has proven to be a safe and effective option for a variety of patients and procedures.

Who Should Use Sedation Dentistry?

It is no secret that most of us do not like going to the dentist. In fact, many people go years without even a check-up or cleaning. Some reasons for avoiding the dentist include:

• Fear of needles, drills, or other dental instruments
• Past traumatic dental experiences
• Sensitive teeth and/or difficulty getting numb

• Discomfort with the smells, noises, and tastes that accompany dental work

Fortunately, in this day and age these issues are no longer a reason to avoid the dentist. With sedation dentistry, patients are able to have a comfortable, anxiety-free experience while having their dental treatments performed.

Don’t let dental anxiety stop you from getting the dental care you need.

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry

• People with fear or anxiety surrounding dental visits
• Past negative or traumatic dental experiences
• A fear of needles
• A difficult time getting numb
• A strong gag reflex or difficulty keeping your mouth open
• Extensive or complex dental problems
• Very long procedures or multiple procedures .
• Children too young to cooperate or with significant dental needs

Sedation dentistry is great for all types of dentistry including children's dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, wisdom teeth or multiple extractions and extensive restorative dentistry.

Barlow Dentistry offers three different methods of sedation depending on the extent of the work being done and the needs of the individual patient: 

1. Nitrous Oxide. This most common form of sedation is also known as inhalation sedation or "laughing gas." A mask is placed over the patient's nose, and the flow level is adjusted by the dentist until the patient is comfortable. Local anesthesia is still required. One benefit with nitrous oxide is that the sedation effect is gone quickly and patients are able to drive themselves home without escort.
2. Intravenous Conscious Sedation (IV). IV sedation is ideal for patients with extreme anxiety when it comes to dental procedures or who require longer or more complex procedures. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation, so the patient has little or no recollection of the procedure. Many people report that they felt as if they slept through the visit.
3. Deep Sedation (General Anaesthesia). Anaesthesia is used for complex procedures such as surgery or when IV sedation is not possible. Patients are monitored by a qualified anesthetist while the procedure is performed. You have absolutely no awareness of what is going on and no recollection once treatment is over. You are fully asleep at all times.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments.

If you are reluctant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.

Also, because sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis, sedation dentistry patients are more likely to receive recommended routine care. As a result, they are less likely to neglect their oral health or allow oral health problems to build to the point when drastic dental treatments become necessary.

Is Sedation Right for Me?

Talking with Dr. Barlow is the first step in deciding if sedation dentistry is for you. Whether you are afraid of needles, have trouble getting numb, or are simply anxious when it comes to dental work, you will be able to discuss your individual case and options.

Call 905-544-6424 today.