Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Options
The more relaxed a patient is during their dental visit, the more comfortable and successful their dental experience will be. Until recently, doctors have been able to do little to relax patients who suffer anxiety at just the thought of a visit to the dentist. Intravenous sedation is the answer for many patients.
IV SEDATION by Dr. McGaw
Dr. McGaw is registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia to administer relaxant drugs intravenously to the patient. Using professional medical equipment, Dr. McGaw and his Registered Nurse continuously monitor the patients blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and respiratory rates to ensure that the patient is completely comfortable and reacting normally throughout the procedure.
While sedated, patients are able to respond to verbal commands but they are so relaxed that they do not experience any pain, discomfort or anxiety. In fact, patients usually report not remembering much of the procedure and actually believe they were asleep throughout their appointment. For more information on IV Sedation, visit our FAQ page
Other methods of Sedation Dentistry available at Driftwood Dental
Inhalation Sedation
In one form of conscious inhalation sedation, nitrous oxide gas (also known as laughing gas) is used to induce a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in combination with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate pain.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedative medications such as midazolam can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour before the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.
