Dental Sedation in Watford, Hertfordshire
Why consider dental sedation?
Many people find that they are simply too anxious or afraid to go to the dentist. This is often built up over many years and can lead to a debilitating situation where a patient is completely phobic of the dentist. Most of the time this fear of the dentist can be lived with, but when a regular dental health check is required every six months the anxiety can lead to panic attacks and be very distressing.
Whilst dental sedation doesn’t provide a cure for dental anxiety it does provide a way to relax at the dentist.
What is dental sedation?
There are a couple of varieties of sedation available today but the one that we have chosen for Senova Dental Studios in Watford is intravenous (IV) sedation which is often referred to as Twilight sedation. The dental sedation is administered via a small injection in the back of your hand, the sedative we use keeps you conscious but without a care in the world, and allows you to relax. We use an external dental sedationist who we need to book in advance for any such procedures.
What types of treatment are offered with dental sedation?
We can pretty much provide any one of our services using sedation, however it is most commonly requested by patients when they are having one of the more invasive treatments such as:
- Dental extractions
- Dental implants
- Wisdom tooth removal or other oral surgery procedures
- Gum tissue re-contouring
- Extensive smile makeovers
If you need to have any of the treatments listed above, or indeed any treatment that we provide, and are concerned then please let us know. We are here to listen and to help and will never judge, will offer gentle advice and let you know if you could be suitable for dental sedation.
How does the process work?
We find that IV sedation is the best way to help our extremely anxious and nervous patients, there is very little preparation that is required apart from ensuring that you visit the dentist with a responsible adult escort who is capable of looking after you once you have had sedation, is able to assist you on your journey home and be with you for the rest of the day. After IV sedation you should go straight home and rest, avoiding operating any equipment or machinery and particularly avoiding driving.
You will find that the effects of the sedation wear off quite quickly with you returning to normal within a few hours afterwards. We will always provide dental sedation after care and ensure that we give you a call to make sure that everything is okay.
Of course, we will always ensure that you are fit to go home prior to releasing you from our dental surgery after your treatment.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is simply another word for any type of sedative procedure where you are not completely asleep. A general anaesthetic renders you unconscious, whilst IV sedation keeps you conscious but in a completely relaxed state. This is conscious sedation.
Will I be able to feel anything during conscious sedation?
The answer to the question is no. We will administer local anaesthetic into the area which requires treatment ensuring that you feel absolutely nothing. All the conscious sedation does is alter your awareness of what is going on around you so that you don’t care, you will simply live in your own twilight world whilst we work on your teeth.
How do I go about having dental sedation?
If you feel that your anxiety or fear of the dentist is too great to consider any form of treatment without sedation then please do let us know at your first appointment. You can pop in to see us and we can discuss your options in our modern and relaxing environment.
