FAQs

What is sedation?

Sedation allows you to undergo your dental work more comfortably.

Light (conscious) sedation is a sleepy state of relaxation. At this level, you may have full awareness of the events during the appointment, but you are comfortable and unconcerned about your surroundings. Patients who are mildly anxious and cooperative are often very satisfied with light conscious sedation.

Deep sedation will also allow you to relax by making you feel very sleepy. In fact this level of sleep is often described as a “twilight sleep,” where you are without a care, and barely aware of your surroundings. You may be so comfortable that you simply choose to sleep throughout the procedure. Very often there is no memory of the appointment at all. Patients who have severe dental phobia or anxiety are often satisfied with deep sedation.

Light general anaesthesia allows you to be completely asleep and unaware of any dentistry being performed. You will not be wakened in the middle of the procedure, and you will have no recall of the sensations, sounds and the scents of dental work.

Why should I be sedated?

Experiencing dental treatment while sleeping can be a simple alternative for all of your dentistry, or perhaps for specific procedures. Extractions, root canal therapy, gum surgery and even long appointments may be uncomfortable or unappealing for some. We work to eliminate the pain, apprehension and inconvenience which may stop you from obtaining your dental care. Sedation can also eliminate the gag reflex. Of course, you may prefer just “freezing” for your dental work. We can help you decide.

Dental sedation may be used by a variety of patients:

• anxious patients or scared children
• busy patients who require lots of work, but in fewer appointments
• patients with certain medical concerns 
• patients with a preference for “sleeping through their dentistry”

How is dental sedation performed?

The different levels of sleep are produced by using one or more medications. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) by itself can provide enough relaxation for some patients. Others may require additional medications taken by mouth or injected directly into the vein (intravenously). In this manner, a combination of medications can provide you with an appropriate level of sleep. In most cases, dental freezing is still required as it is the primary method of removing dental sensations. Dental freezing also reduces the amount of sedative medication required. The sedation technique will be individualized for each patient.

What happens after my sedation?

After your sedation appointment, Dr. Midroni and staff will observe you to make sure that the initial effects of anaesthesia have worn off. When you feel well and are able to walk on your own, you can leave the office with a responsible friend or relative. The exception is when laughing gas is used alone. In this case, you may leave on your own when you feel ready. Following a deeper sedation, the remainder of the day should be spent resting quietly — you will not be returning to work or school after the appointment. You may experience some mild soreness and bruising at the intravenous site, and there is a small risk of some nausea. If any of these conditions occur, the appropriate treatment will be given.

What is required for sedation?

A consultation visit is always required. This allows us to review your medical history and assess your health. Please bring any prescription and non-prescription medications in their correctly labeled containers. Please arrange to bring an interpreter if required. During this visit, you may have questions or concerns regarding sedation or your dental treatment; please do not hesitate to ask. Written and verbal instructions regarding what you should do before and after your visit will be provided. These instructions are for your comfort, safety and welfare and it is very important that you follow them to avoid canceled appointments and delays in treatment. During the initial consultation visit, Dr. Midroni will:

• take a complete dental and medical history
• complete a dental examination and a specific physical examination
• explain the nature of the sedation procedure
• obtain your written consent for sedation/anaesthesia
• give you pre-operative and post-operative instructions
• possibly order pre-operative medical testing or advise you to see your family doctor

If requested by Dr. Midroni, the Physician Examination Pre-Anaesthetic Form must be completed by your family physician prior to your sedation appointment. For instructions about what you may expect before and after your sedation, please refer to the links above.