Before your dentist prescribes a form of sedation, a consultation is required regarding why sedation is needed and the patients medical background. Sleep and sedation dentistry are very common in modern medicine, but it is important that patients understand their options and what is involved. Our Hamilton sedation dentists generally offer three types of sedation: Oral, Inhaled and Intravenous (IV).

Oral Sedation Dentistry

Oral sedation will be given to a patient in the form of a pill. We recommend oral sedation when a mild to moderate sedative is required and the patient does not wish nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or an IV injection. A sedative pill will need to be taken by the patient prior to their appointment time to ensure it is working and effective before treatment begins.

Inhaled Sedation Dentistry

Another very common form of administered sedation is nitrous oxide (often referred to as laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is great for helping patients relax and distract them from the procedure. It is most often administered alongside a local anesthetic for pain management. Patients treated with inhaled sedation will notice the effects subside quickly though they wont recall much of what went on during their appointment.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation Dentistry

Intravenous sedation dentistry is preferred for more intensive or lengthy appointments because it is able to achieve the deepest and most controlled levels of sedation. Patient sedation happens almost instantly, and your anesthetist has greater control over your level of sedation. This is also the method used when the difficulty of a procedure means sleep sedation is required. Small doses result in mild sedation such as sleepiness or drowsiness but still allow a patient to be awake. Stronger doses, like those used for some dental surgery, will keep a patient unconscious until the procedure is finished. Generally, IV sedation requires patients to be accompanied by a trusted person who will take them home after the appointment.