Dental anxiety and phobia can develop in different people for different reasons. Sometimes it is the result of past negative experience. This is common in adults who, in their childhood went to the dentist and had a procedure that caused them pain and anxiety. Dental phobia can be quite devastating. Studies reveal 10%-20% of the Canadian population is dental phobic and as many as 50% of us harbor some reservations about visiting the dentist. These feelings can lead to people avoiding their regular check-ups and hygiene visits thereby compromising their oral health. In the worst cases of dental fear, people even avoid the dental office when in extreme pain and when their teeth literally fall out.
The decision to undergo General Anesthesia or I.V. Sedation will allow you or your child to painlessly and safely receive dental treatment. New medications and the sole dedication of a dentist anesthesiologist has allowed dental anesthesia to become safer than ever before.
One of the wonderful aspects of Sedation or Sleep Dentistry is it’s ability to be customized to the specific desires of both the patient and the treating dentist. You may be awake and relaxed or sedated and dreaming of your favorite vacation.
Having a dentist anesthesiologist solely dedicated to the anesthesia allows for greater safety. The treating dentist will be relieved of the responsibilities of behaviour management and anesthesia and will be able to focus on the dental procedures. In most cases, multiple visits may be condensed into a single appointment.
The familiar surroundings of a dentist’s office will also help you through this anxious time. You will not have to endure going to the intimidating hospital operating room. The same monitoring equipment that is in the hospital operating rooms were brought into the dentist’s office. State of the art monitoring equipment includes a NIBP ( non-invasive blood pressure ), Pulse Oxymetry, EKG, Temperature, Respiration Rate, and a Precordial Stethescope. Emergency medical equipment equivalent to that carried by the E.M.S. ( Emergency Medical System) were also brought to the dental office. The dental office is then inspected rigorously by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia to make sure that it meets the same safety standards as hospital operating rooms.
Forms that are necessary for your safest possible treatment can be found on our Patient Area. Please read them carefully and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Please follow all recommended guidelines carefully. The safety of the patient is paramount.
We will contact you prior to the dental appointment to ask certain medical questions and answer any questions you may have.
