people beautiful smile with coffee, North Peace Dental and Implant Centre, Fort St John, BC, Canada

Sleep Dentistry (Oral Sedation)

Why Sleep Dentistry?

Creating a relaxing experience for patients

Research shows that 75% of Canadians experience some level of dental-related fear, and at least 30% avoid dental care because of this fear. At North Peace Dental and Implant Centre, we regularly work with patients who have varying levels of dental anxiety using a selection of calming techniques. For patients with more severe dental anxiety, we find that oral sedation provides a better experience. If thinking about or listening to dental discussions makes you nervous, please ask us about oral sedation.

Why sleep dentistry_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada

What is Oral Sedation?

Medication to help patients relax

Oral sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is an excellent choice for patients who need a little extra help to 'take the edge off' during a procedure. During oral sedation, a small pill is given to the patient an hour before the procedure to induce a mild state of sedation. Patients do not fall asleep during the process, respond to all verbal communications, and maintain breathing, making it a safe option. However, the patient might feel as though they fell asleep during the procedure because the medication induces a state that mimics dreaming to the brain, causing the brain to forget events and information stored in that state.

What is oral conscious sedation_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada

How does Sedation Feel Like?

Creating a relaxing experience for patients

Sedation effects vary from person to person. The most common feelings are drowsiness and relaxation. Once the sedative takes effect, negative emotions, stress, and anxiety may gradually disappear. You may find that the world around you slows down, your reflexes become delayed, and you respond or react more slowly to physical stimuli or conversation. Some patients may also experience a sense of joy or happiness (euphoria) or lightheadedness. These effects help create a more comfortable and calm experience during dental procedures, allowing patients to receive the necessary care without overwhelming fear or discomfort.

What does sedation feel like_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada

Instructions for Oral Sedation

Taking care during and after sedation

We ask that oral sedation patients not eat for 8 hours before the appointment, avoid taking non-prescription recreational medications (including but not limited to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other substances that might have stimulating or sedative effects), arrange a ride to pick them up at the end of the appointment, and take the rest of the day off. We will review the treatment plan with the patient prior to sedation for consenting purposes. We will monitor the patient’s blood pressure, pulps and oxygen level throughout the process to ensure patient’s safety. Please see here for a complete instruction for oral sedation.

Instructions for Oral Sedation_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada