Conscious sedation to combat dental anxiety

There is nothing wrong with feeling a little nervous before visiting a dentist; in fact, it is common. These feelings should be addressed though if they progress into anxiety or error, which results in you avoiding the dentist altogether.

For the sake of your oral health, it is important to treat or manage your fear of the dentist, which is known as dentophobia. Several mindfulness techniques have proven successful for some, while cognitive behavioural therapy has helped reduce other patients’ fears.

Conscious sedation is another option that can be used to help patients relax during surgery.

What is conscious sedation?

It is the use of a sedative drug that helps patients to remain calm during surgery.

Conscious sedation is commonly used for all manner of procedures from simple routine check-ups to more complicated procedures, like root canals or implant surgery, where people might begin to feel panicked, anxious or extremely fearful.

It is administered in our clinic one of two ways, either intravenously or by inhaling nitrous oxide and oxygen gas. The effects are almost immediate and last the duration of your treatment.

How are conscious sedation and general anaesthesia different?

Some people have concerns about being knocked unconscious, which is what happens when patients receive a general anaesthetic.

On the other hand, patients who’ve been sedated remain awake, alert and responsive while still feeling deeply relaxed. There is a chance that you may fall asleep because of the feelings of calmness.

How will I feel?

People worry about the notion of sedation, relating it to feeling high and out of control. While the experience varies from person-to-person, common signs of the drug taking effect include drowsiness, relaxation and one’s anxieties slowly ebbing away.

Are there side-effects post-op?

You will feel the effects of the drug for a few hours after your treatment at High Dental Implants Melbourne, so be sure to find someone who can give you a lift home. Driving or handling heavy machinery is strongly advised against, until the sedation has completely worn off. We also discourage you from heading back to work straight after the procedure.

Side-effects include drowsiness, slow reflexes and feeling slightly unwell but to name a few. Rest assured these symptoms are temporary and generally not serious.

Allergic reactions are rare but can occur. Seek out medical attention if you experience any of the following:

? Fever

? Having difficulty breathing

? Chills and shivering

? Hives

Will I be paying out of pocket for this additional procedure?

Dental insurance might cover conscious sedation for routine procedures, or you might find that it is included in the price for more complicated treatments, such as implants provided at High Dental Implants Melbourne.

Overall, is conscious sedation worth it?

If going to the dentist makes you rigid with fear, to the point where your oral health is in jeopardy, conscious sedation is one solution to making your time in our dentist chair at High Dental Implants Melbourne more bearable.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.