Grande Prairie Family Dental Clinic understands the importance of managing pain and anxiety for clients undergoing dental treatments.
Along with the freezing/numbing ( local anesthetics), we can also offer options for conscious sedation like oral pills and nitrous oxide sedation.
Conscious sedation as the name indicates does not take you out of consciousness but can make you relaxed and comfortable so that you don’t notice any pain or discomfort.
Oral Sedation (Pills)
Oral sedation is achieved using prescribed tablets that are taken about 30-60 minutes prior to the planned treatment. This sedation makes you very sleepy that you might even forget that you are in a dental office. This makes you relaxed during dental procedures. Even though you are in a sleepy situation you will be able to respond to verbal commands. You will be conscious, but you might forget the details and have a vague memory like you were in a dream. This makes oral sedation the preferable method of sedation for clients who have high dental anxiety/phobia.
Is oral sedation safe?
It is safe for all ages.
How long does the effect last?
This sedation state lasts for 4-8 hours, and it is mandatory that you will need someone responsible to drive you back /take care of you during this period.
ADULT
INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO DENTAL APPOINTMENT
WITH ORAL SEDATION
The oral sedation medication that will be taken for your dental procedure may have residual side effects for up to 24 hours. This may include drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with balance and coordination, impaired judgment and short-term memory problems. Since these changes may not be easily recognizable it is important that no activities be performed that require your best efforts. At the time of your dental appointment our office will provide a discharge instruction sheet that will be yours to refer to at home.
You will not be able to drive for 24 hours following the dental procedure. You will need a responsible adult to accompany you to your appointment and who must stay with you at minimum of 4 (four) hours after the procedure.
To prepare for your appointment we request that the following instructions be adhered to:
1.Have something light to eat prior to your appointment. Too heavy a meal will counteract the effects of the medication.
2.It is permissible to take a pain medication prior to your appointment
3.You must arrive one (1) hour prior to your dental appointment.
4.At this time the procedure and the post operative instructions will be given to you and the adult taking you home. Signatures will be required at this time.
5.The medication given to you is Triazolam.
6.When you are having the procedure done you will respond to all instructions given by the dentist and/or his dental assistant. You will not remember the procedure.
7.It is normal to feel very tired and dizzy after giving the medication. Some people do sleep while in the dental chair.
WOMEN ONLY:
1.If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant oral sedation is NOT advised as it may cause birth defects.
2.It is normal to feel more emotional from the medication.
Should you have any other questions prior to your appointment please call the dental office at the above number. We will assist you in any way possible to make the procedure comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide (N2O) also known as laughing gas is inhaled via tubes along with oxygen. This gets you into similar sedation like oral sedation. Unlike oral sedation, the onset of sedation is faster, and the effect does not last for a longer period. With this rapid recovery, the client can return to normal activities.
Contraindications:
Please let us know if you have any of the following medical conditions, because we may not be able to safely use nitrous oxide: congestive heart failure, chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic asthma, bronchiectasis, pregnancy, hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis, macrocytic anemia, immune diseases, respiratory diseases, middle ear infections, or a history of substance abuse. Also, if you suffer from claustrophobia, you may choose not to use nitrous oxide.
