The first step on your path to anxiety free dental treatment is to understand what Sedation Dentistry is and how it can benefit you. We will walk you through the facts and process of Sedation Dentistry at Sunterra Dental. You can trust that our dentist is there to help you manage your dental fears and continue on the path of dental health that you and your family deserve.

In fact, Sedation Dentistry has helped thousands of people manage their dental phobia and enabled them to take the needed steps to care for their dental health. We welcome you to read carefully through the facts about Sedation Dentistry and then to take action by booking a consult appointment at Sunterra Dental to see if Sedation Dentistry is right for you.

Sedation Dentistry uses sedatives to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state in patients. Sedatives range from mild to moderate in their effect and may be administered by our dentist in one of two ways:

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation
• Oral Sedation

IV sedation, administered by our trained dentist, is an effective and safe way to provide moderate sedative effects. IV sedation has some unique benefits: since IV sedation drugs are administered directly into the blood stream, they take an immediate effect. In general, IV sedation tends to produce a deeper level of sedation than oral sedatives.

Oral Sedation Dentistry is an often requested method our dentist uses to empower patients in the management of their fears. In this method, oral sedatives are taken in pill form.  Oral Sedation Dentistry patients actually maintain a level of consciousness which allows them to follow their dentist’s instructions during the procedure.

It is important to disclose any past drug use or current medical conditions so that our dentist can select an appropriate Sedation Dentistry method for you. We suggest you bring a detailed list of your medical history, including any medications and supplements you are taking to the pre-treatment consultation. Please contact Sunterra Dental to book an appointment.

One of the major benefits of Sedation Dentistry is that it allows people with dental phobia to stop avoiding regular dental treatments. Routine dental maintenance, such as hygiene visits and treating early stage cavities is essential in preventing the onset of more complex dental problems. By following recommended routine care and maintenance, patients can avoid the very thing they fear and end up with fewer visits to the dentist!

Another highlight of Sedation Dentistry is the perception of time that sedation patients experience. Sedation Dentistry patients often recall long and complex dental procedures as occurring in minutes rather than long periods of time. Therefore, our dentist can perform longer procedures in a single visit rather than spacing them over several visits. Fewer appointments means that treatments like smile makeovers, the replacement of missing teeth through dentures, implants or bridges, as well as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and other complex dental treatments are no longer out of reach for patients with dental phobia.

Sedation Dentistry is considered safe. Dentists that offer sedation dentistry are required to meet strict provincial regulations which includes utilization of appropriate monitoring equipment and appropriately trained staff.

If you have further questions or concerns about Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry, let us know! At Sunterra Dental, we are happy to spend time with you to make sure you are informed and comfortable with your treatment.