Dental anxiety is common. For some patients, it’s a white-knuckle grip on the armrests. For others, it’s cancelling appointments altogether. At Meadow Ridge Dental Centre, oral dental sedation gives our anxious patients a way to get the care they need without the stress that often comes with it.
What Is Oral Dental Sedation?
With oral sedation, you take a prescribed medication before your appointment. By the time you sit down in the chair, you should feel calm and relaxed. You will remain conscious and can respond to your dentist, but most patients have little memory of the procedure afterward.
It is a good option for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or those who need longer procedures completed in fewer visits.
How Oral Sedation Compares to IV Sedation
Meadow Ridge Dental Centre offers both oral and IV sedation. Oral sedation in Maple Ridge, BC, is less intense than IV sedation and does not require an intravenous line. It works well for those who want meaningful relief from anxiety without the deeper level of sedation that IV treatment produces. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your level of anxiety and the procedure planned.
What to Expect with Oral Sedation
We will prescribe the medication, which you should take approximately one hour before your appointment. Oral sedation stays in the system for several hours, so you must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients feel back to usual after a good night’s rest.
Sedation Dentistry in Maple Ridge, BC
Avoiding the dentist because of anxiety leads to bigger problems over time. Oral dental sedation is a safe, practical way to get back on track.
Contact Meadow Ridge Dental Centre in Maple Ridge, BC, at (604) 706-1232 to ask about sedation dentistry options or to book an appointment.