Sedation helps Hamilton patients receive important dentistry services

Hamilton dentist, Dr. Karen Ho, knows that dental treatments aren’t usually the highlight of someone’s day, and along with her team, works hard to ensure that patients are comfortable. This includes treating patients with respect, explaining the need and process for dental procedures, and fully answering questions. Dr. Ho uses local anesthesia to ensure patients don’t experience pain during treatments.

 

She also offers sedation dentistry because, sometimes, dental anxiety can be so great that patients put off necessary procedures, which can lead to further dental problems in the future.

In some cases, light sedation can help patients avoid these problems by relaxing them enough. Patients should consider dental sedation when:

• Dental anxiety impacts a person’s health
• They have a terrible fear of needles or other dental equipment
• Young patients cannot sit still
• Individuals need to have many procedures done

The sedation uses nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which relaxes patients, but it does not induce a deep state of sleep. Patients under sedation are calm and relaxed, but awake, aware of their surroundings, and able to answer questions. If a patient does drift asleep, they will wake up easily and can respond to instructions.

Following the procedure, we monitor patients to ensure that their breathing and heart rate are unaffected. The sedation medication will wear off quickly once we turn off the gas. Most patients can drive themselves home and resume daily activities. However, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-procedure care. In some cases, patients will need to alter their diet or rest.

If you have a fear of the dentist, call Dr. Karen Ho at 905-547-4940 and schedule a consultation to discuss your anxieties and find out if you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry. Dentistry on Parkdale is conveniently located at 21 Parkdale Avenue South, Hamilton, ON.