Did you know that about 1 in every 5 people in Canada avoid the dentist? While funds and insurance can make visits to the dentist daunting, it's a crucial part of your health. Many Alberta natives find themselves curious about oral sedation in Fort McMurray to make dental visits easier.
When is dental sedation necessary, and is it mandatory? If you're curious about dental care, we're happy to help. Read on to learn more about using oral sedation in Fort McMurray.
What Is Oral Sedation?
To start, what precisely is dental sedation, and how does it affect your oral health?
As the name suggests, oral sedation uses medication to help patients calm down during dental procedures. Many patients suffer from anxiety, phobias, or discomfort during dental operations.
Sedation is not the same thing as anesthesia. Minimal or moderate sedation causes comfort and relaxation. It's common for people to feel sleepy, but they'll rarely fall asleep.
Anesthesia is a more intense process that will leave a patient unconscious. For severe or lengthy surgeries, this is often preferred. However, it's unnecessary for a minor dental visit.
Process
Taking oral sedation is simple. The dentist or their assistant will give the patient medication to take beforehand.
The medication can take some time to kick in, but it rarely takes more than 15-30 minutes. Afterward, the dental care procedure will begin.
Sedation also doesn't last long, depending on the size of the dose. You won't have to worry about spending the rest of your day in a fog.
Side Effects
There are side effects to oral sedation that some may not prefer. Thankfully, these side effects are all minor and an inconvenience at best.
Drowsiness and fogginess of memory are both common. Dry mouth and a headache are also likely symptoms.
These side effects aren't guaranteed and can range in severity from patient to patient. For most, the benefits widely outweigh these minor side effects.
Should I Use Oral Sedation in Fort McMurray?
Choosing oral sedation is a personal choice. If you don't have anxiety or fear, there's little reason to use oral sedation.
One thing to note is that oral sedation is not the same as the medicine that reduces pain. Localized numbing agents are often used to help reduce any pain from oral care. You're likely to still receive these painkillers regardless of whether you use oral sedation.
If you're choosing sedation to lessen pain, it may not be necessary. Discuss your concern about pain with your dentist and let them pick the right painkiller.
You should also discuss oral sedation with your dentist. At River City Dental Clinic, we're happy to offer sedation to help our patients remain comfortable.
Managing Your Oral Health
Using Oral Sedation in Fort McMurray is a great way to get over the fear or anxiety of the dentist. If you're concerned about your upcoming dental visit, discuss sedation with your dentist. While you should be aware of the side effects, the many benefits far outweigh the minor consequences.
For more information, be sure to contact us at River City Dental Clinic.