For many of our patients at Kensington Dental, coming to the dentist is a regular part of their life, not much different than going to the gym, or getting a physical—just part of their healthcare routine. Believe it or not, some actually enjoy coming to see us; leaving our Burnaby office with a bright, white, fresh feeling smile. But for some, coming to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, and for some, the dentist is downright terrifying. People with high dental anxiety or dental phobia will often avoid seeing us at all, which can lead to a whole host of health issues.

The team of dentists and hygienists here at Kensington Dental pride themselves on compassionate, gentle care and creating a safe and comfortable environment. But for our clients who have dental anxiety, knowing you’re in good hands isn’t always enough. For those patients, we offer sedation dentistry.

What is dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common stress or fear response to the dentist and/or dental environment. The root cause isn’t always obvious, but for some it is the result of past dental trauma. It can also be tied to a fear of needles, discomfort with certain sounds, or any other host of reasons. Dental anxiety can lead to delaying or avoiding dental visits altogether, which can lead to a worsening of oral health.

What is sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry, alternatively known as sleep dentistry, is the practice of using sedatives to help ease a patient’s anxiety, helping them to feel calm and relaxed during their visit.

Sedation dentistry uses conscious sedation so you can still speak with your dentist—though some patients do fall asleep from the sedatives. There are different levels and forms of sedation available and your dentist will help determine which one is best for you during your consultation.

At Kensington Dental, we offer oral conscious sedation and intravenous sedation, each with their own level of sedation and means of administering. We’ll talk you through your options and answer all your questions during your initial consultation.

How does it work

The purpose of sedation dentistry is to help our Burnaby patients with dental anxiety receive the care they need in a way that allows them to feel safe and comfortable. We always start with a consultation so you can get to know us and the clinic and we can get to know more about you and your dental and medical history. During this consultation, we will create a plan together and determine which type of sedation is best for you.

Before your appointment

• Refrain from eating or drinking before your appointment (we will give you specific instructions based on your sedation method).
• Try to schedule your day so you can maintain a calm state. If you can, take some time for a few mindfulness techniques (such as breathing exercises or meditation) prior to your appointment.
• For some orally administered sedatives, you may be given a pill you can take one hour prior to your appointment—don’t forget to take it on time.

During your appointment

• Once you arrive, we will have a brief intake conversation before administering the sedative. The sedative will help you to feel calm and relaxed, and perhaps a little groggy.
• Once the sedative has kicked in, we will administer any local anesthesia that may be required for the dental care you are receiving that day. You will be conscious, though some patients do fall into a light sleep with either oral or IV sedation.

After your appointment

• You may feel a little groggy, and will need a trusted friend or family member to take you home.

Who would benefit

People who struggle with dental anxiety or dental phobia are ideal candidates for sedation dentistry. However, those with an overly sensitive gag reflex, extreme teeth sensitivity, experience decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia, have difficulty controlling body movements, or persons with disabilities may also benefit from sedation dentistry.

If you live in Burnaby and are interested in learning more about our sedation dentistry, please reach out. We’d love to talk to you about your options, and work with you to find the best option for you to receive the dental care you need.