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Nervous Patients & Sedation

Nervous patients & Sedation

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Is the prospect of getting your teeth cleaned making your entire body tense? Would you rather suffer the torture of a toothache than visit a dentist? You are not alone. Many people are so afraid of going to the dentist that they refuse any treatment.

Sedation dentistry uses safe medicines to help patients relax during dental treatments.  it’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry.” Patients are awake, and can communicate with us- but they are so relaxed that dentistry no longer bothers them.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for those who:

  • Have a low pain tolerance
  • Have very sensitive teeth
  • Are unable to stay still in the dentist’s chair
  • Have a poor gag reflex
  • Require extensive or difficult dental work.
  • Sometimes, children are given sedation if they are terrified of going to the dentist or refuse to cooperate during the visit.

So if you are a little on edge when seeing the dentist, then you no longer need to be. With small and quieter environments, caring and attentive staff, gentle and reassuring dentists that fully explain procedures every step of the way 

All this can relieve your anxiety.

At Longwood House, we offer two types of dental sedation:

Nitrous oxide

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Nitrous oxide often referred to, as “laughing gas” is a breathable gas that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a mask that fits over your nose.

Nitrous oxide is often regarded as the most gentle method. Patients are awake and alert, but they are in such a calm and occasionally euphoric mental state that they are not entirely aware of what is going on throughout their surgery.

Within three to five minutes of inhaling nitrous oxide through the mask or nosepiece, the soothing effects begin helping you to relax.

Your dentist regulates the amount of sedation you get and modifies doses as needed throughout your operation since the gas tends to wear off quickly. 

When the treatment is finished, your dentist will provide pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide from your system. You’ll be able to drive yourself home following the surgery since the laughing gas leaves your system so rapidly.

IV Intravenous sedation

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IV sedation dentistry is stronger than nitrous oxide sedation and is very safe to offer in a dental clinic. Anti-anxiety drugs are administered directly into your bloodstream by your doctor or nurse, through a tiny tube placed in the back of your hand.

If you are afraid of needles, the dentist, or dental treatments, IV sedation is a good option. It can also be prescribed if you are having difficult root canals, implant placement, or extractions or if you need to undergo many dental treatments.

The dentist will insert a small needle into a vein on your hand or arm during your dental treatment. The needle is attached to an intravenous line, which directs the sedative into the bloodstream.

During the whole process, your dentist will keep an eye on your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They can modify your dosage at any time and, if required, employ reversal medications.

When most patients have IV sedation dentistry, they fall asleep and have little to no recollection of their procedure when they wake up. This is the ideal solution for those who have a significant dental phobia or who are having extensive treatments.

You could feel a bit sleepy following the treatment. Therefore, we recommend having a family member or friend drive you home. It’s also important to take the entire day off so you can relax properly.

Nitrous oxide is generally safe in children, and almost any trained dentist may administer it. Only a limited number of paediatric dentists are trained to administer oral sedation to youngsters. When administered at the recommended dose for the child’s age and weight, oral sedation can be considered safe. IV sedation is only recommended for children over the age of 12 years.

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

When administered by a qualified dentist, it is safe and very beneficial.

It’s crucial to confirm that your dentist is skilled and qualified to provide the sort of sedation you’ll be getting.

At Longwood House, there are always two trained professionals to take care of you and you will receive the highest standard of dental treatment.

At Longwood House Dental Care we are happy to answer any questions you might have about sedation. Our experienced dentists can assist you in determining which treatment is best for you.

Give us a call at any time!

Contact: 020 8551 0088

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