Does the thought of sitting in the dentist chair make you anxious and stressed?
Have you avoided seeking treatment for a dental issue because of this fear?
Don’t worry, you are not alone!
We understand going to see the dentist can be a worrying experience for many people. As a Chichester dental practice, we have built a reputation for treating nervous patients with our kind and gentle techniques.
Sedation is a popular option for people who want a relaxing and worry-free dental treatment experience, and we are happy to offer sedation on all treatments; from routine checkups to more complex procedures.
In dentistry, there are two kinds of sedation: Relative Analgesia and Intravenous Sedation (IV).
Relative Analgesia (Inhalation Sedation)
Also called Inhalation Sedation, this is a gentle way to be sedated where you relax and inhale an odourless gas. Inhalation sedation is similar to Entonox, which is commonly used on the maternity ward and has other names such as: Nitrous Oxide, Gas and air or Laughing Gas.
Benefits of Inhalation Sedation:
- Effective within minutes
- No chaperone required, and you can drive and go about your day as usual
- Most popular type of dental sedation
- No needles required
Inhalation Sedation has been the gold standard for mild to moderate dental anaesthesia for decades. A small, comfortable mask will be placed over your nose and when inhaled you will feel relaxed and happy. This is a popular option because as soon as your treatment is complete and the gas stops, the effects subside immediately and you can go about your day as normal. No chaperone is required to accompany you to your appointment and you are safe to drive home.
Intravenous Sedation (IV)
Intravenous sedation is a safe and comfortable option for those with moderate to high levels of dental anxiety. We will administer an anxiety-reducing medication intravenously, which will put you in a calm and relaxed state. You will still have verbal and physical response but will feel wonderfully relaxed and happy, feeling no stress or pain!
Benefits of IV Sedation:
- Pain free and starts working quickly
- We carefully monitor and can adjust the dosage if necessary
- You will not remember the procedure when you wake up
- Lasts longer allowing for multiple dental treatments to be completed in one session
With IV sedation, the effects take longer to wear off meaning you will have to be taken home by a chaperone who will be with you the rest of the day. You will also not be allowed to drive or operate machinery until the next day.
IV Sedation is great for complex or long treatments, tooth removal, fear of choking and is reserved for adults over the age of 18.
—
If you are interested in a worry-free dental treatment, sedation might be right for you. All of our patients will receive a pre-treatment consultation prior to the appointment so that we can review your medical history and explain your sedation options in detail.
Please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your options, so that you can receive the dental care you require in a way that’s as relaxed as possible.