Dental anxiety is a common barrier preventing many individuals from seeking essential oral care. At Advanced Dental Aesthetics in Southend, Essex, we understand these concerns and offer sedation dentistry to ensure a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

Understanding Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s particularly beneficial for those with dental phobia, low pain thresholds, sensitive teeth, or a strong gag reflex. The sedation levels range from minimal (you remain awake but relaxed) to deep sedation (you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened).

Types of Sedation Used

1.  Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Inhaled through a mask, it helps you relax during the procedure. Its effects wear off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward.
2. Oral Sedation: Taken in pill form, it provides a moderate level of sedation. You remain awake but may feel drowsy. Depending on the dose, some patients may fall asleep during the procedure.
3. Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Administered through a vein, it works quickly and allows our experienced dental team to adjust the level of sedation as needed. You’ll be in a deeply relaxed state but can still be awakened.
4. General Anaesthesia: Used for more extensive procedures, it renders you completely unconscious. This method is typically reserved for complex dental surgeries.

Benefits for Anxious Patients

Sedation dentistry offers numerous advantages:

• Anxiety Relief: It significantly reduces fear and anxiety, making dental visits more approachable.
• Pain Management: Sedation minimises discomfort during procedures.
• Time Efficiency: Our Advanced Dentists can perform multiple procedures in one visit, reducing the number of appointments needed.
• Gag Reflex Control: It suppresses the gag reflex, allowing for more comfortable treatment.

Common Procedures Involving Sedation

Sedation is commonly used for:

• Tooth Extractions: Including wisdom teeth removal.
• Dental Implants: Placement of artificial tooth roots.
• Root Canal Treatments: Cleaning and sealing infected tooth pulp.
• Periodontal Treatments: Deep cleaning for gum disease.
• Complex Restorative Procedures: Such as multiple fillings or crowns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sedation

1. Is sedation dentistry safe?
   Yes, when administered by our trained professionals, sedation dentistry is safe. At Advanced Dental Aesthetics we’ll evaluate your medical history and monitor vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
2. Will I be unconscious during sedation?
   Not necessarily. Most sedation methods keep you awake but relaxed. Only general anaesthesia renders you completely unconscious.
3. How long does the sedation effect last?
   The duration varies based on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral and IV sedation may take several hours to diminish.
4. Can I drive after my appointment?
   If you’ve received nitrous oxide, you can typically drive yourself home. However, for oral or IV sedation, you’ll need someone to accompany you, as the effects take longer to wear off.
5. Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
   Individuals with dental anxiety, low pain tolerance, sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing extensive procedures are ideal candidates.

Experience Comfortable Dental Care at Advanced Dental Aesthetics

At Advanced Dental Aesthetics, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our experienced team offers sedation options tailored to your needs, ensuring a relaxed and pain-free dental experience. Don’t let anxiety hinder your oral health. Contact us today to discuss how sedation dentistry can benefit you.

Note: For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Advanced Dental Aesthetics or call us at 01702 584000