Dental sedation helps nervous patients get the treatment they need

Patients can opt for dental sedation in certain situations if they are anxious about having work performed on their teeth

There are different types of dental sedation available which can be used to relax patients who might be overly worried about treatment. These range from moderate sedation to a full general anaesthetic.

What is dental sedation? 

Modern dentistry has taken away any fear factor that patients may have had in the past about the dentist. Visiting a dentist has become an easy, comfortable experience for most, thanks to advances in training and technology.

However, there are still some patients – both young and old – who have a fear of going to the dentist. For them, dental sedation can be a useful option. It can be used for any treatment, and the type used depends on each person and how anxious they are.

Is there a dentist near me that does dental sedation?

The Dental Care Ireland practices in Callan in Co Kilkenny, in Carlow town, in Greystones in Co Wicklow all offer this. Our partner practice in Dublin 4, Northumberland Dental Care, also provides this service.

What does dental sedation involve?

All our dentists and hygienists are highly trained professionals whose goal is to provide the best treatment for their patients. However, if someone is too nervous about getting dental treatment done, some of our practices can offer sedation. Our sedation services ranges from mild sedation, using a gas administered through a nosepiece, to a general anaesthetic.

What types of sedation dentistry are there? 

Conscious sedation uses a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen – also known as ‘laughing gas’. You inhale this, and it makes you feel relaxed. It may induce feelings of drowsiness, but you remain awake and conscious the whole time. You won’t feel and any pain or discomfort, and it generally has no adverse side-effects.

Intravenous or IV sedation is generally used for more nervous patients or ones who are undergoing longer or more complicated procedures. It is administered via an injection and relaxes the patient completely. It is also very safe, though you will need someone to be with you afterwards just in case.

Who can get dental sedation?

In general, anyone who is fit and healthy can have it. Your dentist will discuss it with you to see if it is something that will help. Getting dental treatment is crucial to your overall health, so if fear or anxiety is holding you back, it is worth getting sedation.

Is dental sedation suitable for children?

Yes, sedation can be used for children if necessary. Again, dentists will discuss it with parents to see if it is the best option.

How safe is sedation dentistry?

Yes, it is very safe. However, your dentist will discuss your medical history with you before administering it to make sure that you do not have any conditions which could make it an issue.

Can any dentist perform sedation?

Qualified dentists can perform most types of moderate sedation. If a general anaesthetic is required, Dental Care Ireland dentists will work with a hospital and a qualified anaesthetist.

Do I need to be admitted to hospital when being sedated?

For moderate sedation, this is not necessary, but for general anaesthetics it is.

How many times can one undergo dental sedation?

There is no limit on the number of times you can undergo a moderate form, though this is something you can discuss with your dentist.

Where can I get dental sedation in Dublin?

Northumberland Dental Care, a partner practice of Dental Care Ireland, located in Dublin 4, offers this service.

To find out more about dental sedation at Dental Care Ireland, go here.

You’ll find a list of all our practices nationwide, with full contact details here.