Gentle Dentistry with Conscious Sedation

Periodontal health is vitally important to your overall health. Unfortunately, persistent anxiety and fear about dental treatments can sometimes prevent you from seeking out and receiving the periodontal care that you need. Dr. Tymkiw understands your apprehension and offers conscious sedation as a way to make your treatment more pleasant and comfortable. This option has allowed many people to benefit from much-needed periodontal surgery who may have otherwise avoided it.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is a safe, drug-induced state in which you are conscious and pleasantly relaxed yet free of the fear, anxiety and apprehension that you may otherwise experience. The use of conscious sedation by a trained professional is safe and effective and will help you feel relaxed during your periodontal treatment. It is different from general anaesthesia and does not carry the same risks so it is a much safer alternative.

There are a variety of means and medications to deliver conscious sedation. Dr. Tymkiw will explain your options and recommend the one that is best for you.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Medication that is administered intravenously is administered through the veins. Because of its rapid effects many patients prefer this option. IV sedation medication is delivered through a very small needle placed in either the top of your hand or within your inner elbow.

Just like other forms of sedation dentistry, IV sedation is designed to relax you and make you completely comfortable. IV sedation also eliminates your anxiety and pain. You will still be able to respond to verbal cues from Dr. Tymkiw and his team however, you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll be unaware of the sights, smells and sounds of the office. Patients remember little-to-nothing of their appointment by the next day.

IV sedation gives Dr. Tymkiw optimal control of the amount of medication administered and allows him to readily increase or decrease your level of sedation as needed, quickly and comfortably. An additional benefit of IV sedation includes faster onset of the sedation medications, meaning you’ll be able to feel the effects of the medication quickly.

While every patient is different, many people begin to feel more alert soon after the IV medication is stopped. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the end of your appointment. You will be encouraged to sleep and drink plenty of water and clear fluids for the remainder of the day.

Many patients who elect a sedation option report reduced pain levels the day after their treatment. There are multiple theories for why this is, but the common thought is that because a sedation patient is relaxed and not tense during their appointment, the dentist can often use less force as well as access the mouth more easily.