A: A general checkup and cleaning does not require any sort of anesthesia. Anesthesia is used to prevent pain and discomfort. Using it depends on the procedure that you’re getting, the level of anxiety you have and your overall health and medical history.

Most procedures that call for anesthesia use local anesthesia. This means that the anesthesia is applied directly to the treatment site and will not alter consciousness. Sedation, along with anesthesia, is used to relieve pain and relax or calm you in preparation for a dental procedure.

There are various levels of sedation that can be used for dental procedures. These levels range from mild to general anesthesia. With minimal sedation, you may feel more relaxed but can hold conversations. In general anesthesia, you are unconscious and will not feel pain. You may also need assistance breathing. With general anesthesia, you are under the supervision of an anesthetist in a hospital and will feel like you are sleeping.

If you are scared of dental work or have high anxiety, you may want to consider a form of sedation when getting your dental treatments. Talk to your dentist about what options would work best for you. At Dental Image Therapy Centres, we offer various options for pain and anxiety relief, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation. We want you to feel comfortable at every appointment.

Book an appointment today at either of our Winnipeg locations to discuss what anesthesia and sedation options would work for your dental treatment plans.