Dental anxiety and fear are major problems that stop people from seeking the dental care they need. Dental phobia is more common than one may think, and if you suffer from a fear of the dentist, you aren’t alone. Luckily, our team at Apple Dental Group has the solution for you: sedation dentistry. There are many forms of sedation dentistry, but all forms work to keep you feeling calm and relaxed during your dental procedure.
Many people get confused about the difference between sedation and general anesthesia, and in this blog post, we tell you all you need to know about the difference between general anesthesia and IV sedation in SW Calgary.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used for dental procedures in the same way it is used for invasive medical procedures in hospitals. When a patient undergoes general anesthesia, they are rendered unconscious and need to be attached to a ventilator to help them breathe. General anesthesia uses a mixture of intravenous sedatives and gases such as nitrous oxide to render the patient unconscious. The procedure is intensive and requires the skills of an experienced anesthesiologist.
There are more risks associated with general anesthesia than there are with IV sedation. Your dentist near you will need to provide you with a list of pre and post-operative instructions, and you will need to spend more time recovering after your procedure.
General anesthesia is typically only used if you are going to be undergoing an extensive and invasive procedure such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implant placement.
IV Sedation
When it comes to IV sedation near you, the sedative is inserted into your bloodstream via a small needle inserted into your vein. This is the preferred method for many dental professionals because of the benefits it has to offer, including:
● It is a form of conscious sedation, meaning that it relaxes the patient but still allows them to respond to verbal instructions and physical stimuli.
● A shorter total treatment time due to a compliant and comfortable patient.
● Fast recovery and no need for an additional specialist.
● Typically safer than general anesthesia.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for IV sedation, so it is important to discuss your options with your dentist beforehand. Your dentist in SW Calgary will perform a comprehensive evaluation and consider your medical history before choosing to administer IV sedation.
Before the process begins, you will receive instructions and information about what to expect. Additionally, your dental team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout. You will need a trusted individual to drive you to and from your dental procedure so you can recover safely.
Take the First Steps Toward an Anxiety-Free Dental Appointment
Visiting a dentist doesn’t have to be a horrible and anxiety-inducing experience. With the help of sedation dentistry, you can get the dental care you need without any panic or discomfort.
If you would like to learn more about your options for dental sedation and general anesthesia, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at Apple Dental Group. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and get you the dental care you deserve. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to book an initial consultation today.