Hi everyone! I’m Dr. Michael Webster, Owner of Kelowna Dental Centre, back again with yet another hot topic for you: dental anxiety.
Despite my insatiable love for dentistry and everything it comprises, I’m fully aware that, for many patients, the mere thought of a dental appointment can trigger debilitating anxiety. And actually coming in for that appointment? A potential nightmare for some folks.
The stats tell a similar story – according to a 2023 survey, 9.8% of Canadians were “somewhat afraid” of dental visits, while 5.5% were “very afraid” or “terrified” – that means more than 15% of Canadians live with moderate to severe dental anxiety!
And what does that tell you? Well, dentists ought to put more thought into making their patients feel comfortable, safe, and heard.
At Kelowna Dental Centre, we provide a comfortable environment and support our patients to navigate their treatment smoothly because everyone deserves to have a positive dental experience. One method we use to help our anxious patients—or those undergoing more complex treatment plans, like something cosmetic, for example—is sedation. Sedation is a supremely safe and highly effective method for making any dental experience as comfortable as possible.
Below, I’ll chat through the types of sedation dentistry we offer at Kelowna Dental Centre and their benefits to hopefully clarify whether it’s the right option for your unique dental care needs.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Sedation Dentistry at Kelowna Dental Centre
Here are the types of sedation we offer to make any dental appointment a breeze:
- IV Sedation: If you’ve got a longer or more complex procedure on the books, IV sedation is the ticket. It’s a direct route to relaxation land, but in the safest way possible, administered right into your bloodstream for instant relief. And the best part? You won’t remember the procedure afterward. IV sedation is typically recommended for more involved procedures like dental implants, full mouth reconstructions, and smile makeovers. Our team is watertight trained to keep things super safe for you throughout the procedure, so you can get the rest you need.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas): For a gentle nudge into relaxation, laughing gas is a fantastic option. Just a few breaths in through a mask, and you’ll feel the tension melt away, but once we lift the mask, you’re back to planet Earth, ready to carry on with your day. It’s quick, effective, and like every sedation type we offer, has an excellent safety profile, making it a smash hit for adults and kids alike.
- Sedation Dentistry for Children: Speaking of the little ones, we believe in making their early dental experiences as positive as possible. With gentle sedation options in our toolkit, we can ensure that visits to KDC set them up for a lifetime of dental health without anxiety.
Since we approach all of our treatments with customization top-of-mind, all sedation plans are unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of sedation options to ensure your experience is comfortable and specific to your needs and goals.
Call us today to find out which is best for you!
Sedation Dentistry: Benefits for Anxious Patients
We know that sedation dentistry does more than just ease the ouch—it’s a game-changer for those dental visits that feel like mountain climbs. It’s about transforming what seem like stress-filled appointments into serene escapes.
And for our friends who break into a sweat at the thought of a dental chair, sedation can make treatments a breeze, combining what used to be multiple anxiety-ridden visits into fewer, more manageable ones. This not only helps keep those nerves at bay but supports a stellar oral health routine. By sidestepping the stress, we’re keeping those pearly whites in tip-top shape and preventing bigger challenges down the road.
And with my years on the dental front lines and our amazing registered nurse by my side, we’re all about making sure your experience is as smooth as silk. Rest assured – we’ll walk you through everything before your appointment because knowing is half the journey to successful treatment and a dazzling smile.
Sedation Dentistry Success Stories
Our patients’ journeys speak volumes about the impact of sedation dentistry. From individuals who had put off dental treatments for years out of fear and finally got the solution they needed to parents who were able to provide stress-free visits to their children, the stories are a great reminder of our focus on comfort and patient-focused practice. Seeing clients able to achieve their smile transformations and get the care they need highlights the transformative power of sedation dentistry in making dental health accessible and fear-free.
Conquer Dental Anxiety at Kelowna Dental Centre
At Kelowna Dental Centre, we’re all about creating a space where dental care is synonymous with comfort and personalization. Whatever your needs and goals, we’re here to ensure your journey to optimal dental health is as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Ready to explore which sedation option might be right for you? Let’s chat and make your next visit something you might just look forward to.
We can’t wait to care for you!
Dr. Michael Webster
Kelowna Dental Centre Owner
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