Sedation Dentistry

Are You Looking For Sedation Dentistry in Penhold or Red Deer?

Afraid of visiting the dentist? You may be a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry!

If even the thought of a trip to the dentist makes you feel somewhat anxious, don’t feel alone. Dental phobia, or fear of the dental chair, is reported to occur in up 75% of people to one degree or another. Although facing and banishing your fear would be a great accomplishment, Sedation Dentistry at Penhold Dental is a more realistic option that works by helping you manage your anxiety.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

The first step on your path to anxiety free dental treatment is to understand what Sedation Dentistry is and how it can benefit you. In the following page, we will walk you through the facts and process of Sedation Dentistry at Penhold Dental Clinic. You can trust that our dentists are there to help you manage your dental fears and continue on the path of dental health that you and your family deserve.

In fact, Sedation Dentistry has helped thousands of people manage their dental phobia and enabled them to take the needed steps to care for their dental health. We welcome you to read carefully through the facts about Sedation Dentistry and then to take action by booking an appointment to see if Sedation Dentistry is right for you.

How is Sedation Dentistry administered?

Sedation Dentistry uses sedatives to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state in patients. Sedatives range from mild to moderate in their effect and may be administered by our Penhold dentists in one of two ways:

• oral sedation

At Penhold Dental, we only offer Oral Sedation Dentistry. We offer this to empower patients in the management of their fears. In this method, oral sedatives are taken in pill form. Oral sedation patients typically report feeling comfortable and remembering little of the treatment, as if they had slept through the treatment. Despite the experience of sleeping through the procedure, oral Sedation Dentistry patients maintain a level of consciousness which allows them to follow their dentist’s instructions during the procedure.

What type of Sedation Dentistry is best for me?

It is important to disclose any past drug use or current medical conditions so that our Penhold dentists can select an appropriate Sedation Dentistry method for you. We suggest you bring a detailed list of your medical history, including any medications and supplements you are taking to the pre-treatment consultation. Please contact Penhold Dental Clinic to book an appointment.

What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

One of the major benefits of Sedation Dentistry is that it allows people with a dental phobia to stop avoiding regular dental treatments. Routine dental maintenance, such as hygiene visits and treating early stage cavities is essential in preventing the onset of more complex dental problems. By following recommended routine care and maintenance, patients can avoid the very thing they fear and end up with fewer visits to the dentist!

Another highlight of Sedation Dentistry is the perception of time that sedation patients experience. Sedation Dentistry patients often recall long and complex dental procedures as occurring in minutes rather than long periods of time. Therefore, our Penhold dentists can perform longer procedures in a single visit rather than spacing them over several visits.   Fewer appointments mean that treatments like smile makeovers, the replacement of missing teeth through dentures, implants or bridges, as well as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and other complex dental treatments are no longer out of reach for patients with dental phobia.

Is Sedation Dentistry safe?

Sedation Dentistry is considered very safe. To ensure the safety of Sedation Dentistry patients, dentists are required to use monitoring equipment during the procedure, including a pulse oximeter and oxygen equipment. Dentists are also required to have reversal medication agents on hand in the rare case of an adverse reaction to the sedatives.

If you have further questions or concerns about Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry, let us know! At Penhold Dental Clinic, we are happy to spend time with you to make sure you are informed and comfortable with your treatment.

Is sleep dentistry the same as Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has sometimes been referred to as sleep dentistry, but the term can be misleading. In Sedation Dentistry you are not actually asleep, though you may feel sleepy due to the effects of the sedatives. Also, the term sleep dentistry is sometimes connected to the use of general anesthesia. The use of general anesthesia, however, is not considered Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry.

Does insurance cover Sedation Dentistry?

Insurance coverage typically does not include Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry; however, some sedation procedures may be covered based on your treatment. Since each extended health plan is unique, it’s best to check your dental insurer to determine if you will be eligible for coverage. We can assist you with this process and with making the necessary financial arrangements.

What to consider on the day of the sedation appointment.

Patients receiving Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry treatments must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver who can accompany them home. If you are receiving oral sedatives, we recommend you bring a comfortable pillow and blanket and some music to listen to while relaxing before the treatment. After the appointment, a caregiver should stay with you until the effects of the sedation are gone.

We welcome you to contact Penhold Dental Clinic to book an appointment today.

If you have any questions or would like to request your Sedation Dentistry appointment with Dr. Dave Litchfield,
please do not hesitate to contact us at (403) 886-7665.