Sedation Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry Solutions at Markham Smile Centre
At Markham Smile Centre, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal oral health and wellness… Unfortunately, we are aware that this can be difficult for many patients who may have a fear of dentistry. Sometimes the fear and anxiety can be so severe that it completely prevents a person from even coming to see the dentist for routine preventive care. Fortunately, we can offer are several options to alleviate the fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist. We can use laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or oral sedation (pills) to help relax a patient who is slightly nervous or we can use IV or GA sedation (sleep dentistry) for the very fearful or anxious.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures. These sedatives can range from mild to moderate, depending on the level of stress or anxiety experienced by the patient. The aim is to create a more comfortable and stress-free environment for individuals who may feel anxious or fearful about dental treatments.
By administering sedatives for stress, dentists can ensure that patients remain calm and cooperative throughout their procedures, allowing for smoother and more efficient treatment processes.
Why is Dental Sedation Important?
- Children who are anxious, very young, or who may have difficulty understanding treatment
- Patients with a bad gag reflex, making it difficult for them to sit through dental procedures
- Adults with dental phobia
- Patients with severe fear of needles (dental freezing)
Children who are anxious, very young, or who may have difficulty understanding treatment can benefit significantly from sedation, as it helps them remain still and cooperative during procedures. Additionally, patients with a bad gag reflex, making it difficult for them to sit through dental procedures, can find relief through sedation at a sleep dentistry clinic, as it reduces their sensitivity to triggers.
Furthermore, adults with dental phobia or severe fear of needles, often associated with dental freezing, can undergo treatment more comfortably with the assistance of sedation. In emergency situations, sleep dentistry clinics offer services such as emergency sleep dentistry, providing prompt and effective care for patients who require immediate treatment while ensuring their comfort and safety.
Sedation Options
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
For those patients with mild anxiety, we can often use nitrous oxide to help keep them relaxed and calm throughout their dental appointments. The biggest benefit of using laughing gas to alleviate fear is that the effects are completely gone within minutes of completing the dental procedure. This means that patients do not need accompaniment to their appointments and can even drive home soon afterward.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is often a very good option for a nervous patient who could benefit from the relaxing, sedative effect of medication prescribed at the ideal dosage to induce drowsiness and comfort. This form of sedation helps to alleviate anxiety while providing conscious relaxation. Some people even drift off into a relaxed sleep during their dental procedure.
IV Sedation (Intravenous)
IV sedation dentistry is a technique that allows you to remain conscious throughout your dental appointment so that you are able to communicate and cooperate (follow instructions given by the dentist) throughout your appointment. Some patients may prefer dental nitrous oxide or complete general anesthesia, which renders the patient fully unconscious throughout the entire dental appointment.
The team at Markham Smile Centre will be happy to guide you in selecting the oral sedation dentistry option that will work best for you.
See what our patients are saying:
Everyone here is very friendly and provides excellent care. I received a full exam on my first visit, and everyone took time to answer my questions and ensured I felt comfortable the entire time - exactly what you want when visiting the dentist. I highly recommend Markham Smile Centre for anyone looking for great dental care.
There is an ample parking space before you get into the office. The receptionists welcome us friendly with proper COVID-19 procedures in place. The staff worked with patient very patiently and professionally. My teeth cleaning was done by Ying, she explained every detail to me and I did not feel any pain or uncomfortable at all. Thanks to the best team !
It's been a while since I've been to a dentist but I'm trying to get back on track with health in general. Overall it was great going to Markham Smile Centre! The receptionist (I believe she was Kim) was friendly. The hygienist, Ying, was attentive and gentle during the cleaning; x-ray tech (forgot her name, sorry!) was great too. Dr. Sara Riad explained things with good detail. Looking forward to going back!
I was someone who was nervous and anxious about visiting the dentist, but the team at Markham Smile Centre has made me feel SO comfortable. Kim is so patient and helpful and Dr. Hwang and Rory are both so professional and wonderful. They thoroughly explain the procedure to make you comfortable beforehand and are very gentle. I now look forward to visiting the dentist!
I found this place on a whim when I was looking for a new dentist in Markham. My hygienist ying was super nice and her cleaning was very gentle yet thorough. I saw Dr.Jason and he was very nice and informative in regards to what needs to be done and provided me with all the information I needed to make a choice. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new dentist, they’re accepting new patients!!
I have been to many dentists in my life, Dr. Jason is easily the best dentist I have ever been too. He does everything he can to make you comfortable no matter the procedure and is a true professional, as does all the staff at Markham Smile Centre. Truly an amazing dentistry
The clinic was clean and the staff was very polite. I particularly liked the fact that everything was explained to me before going in for the procedure so I knew what to expect at each step. The dental hygienist who did the cleaning for me was also very gentle and took my concerns into consideration. I will definitely recommend them.
Upon arriving to the Markham Smile Centre, my son and I were greeted with a warm welcome by the receptionists. The hygienists and Dentist were very gentle and transparent with what they were doing. The hygienist that worked on my 9 year old son was patient and very friendly with him, which helped ease his nerves. Our overall experience was A+.
Since I was little, I have always hated going to the dentist... Its always uncomfortable and unpleasant. These days, visiting the dentist isn’t so bad! Dr Jason, Rory, and the lovely staff at reception make the experience 100x better. I have had absolutely no issues with the gum graft and cleanings that I’ve gotten done here. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I’m calling in or emailing a hundred questions :). I would highly recommend Markham Smile Centre.
Love this place! All the staffs are friendly and Professional and I mean all, cause I've been to most of their office, Markham , Stouffville, North York, and Maple. Dr. Ko is very professional and patient. Whenever I have questions and concerns he would always reply me . I would say this this dental office take care of you all the way. I would highly recommend everyone to come here for any dental works. =)