Why Choose Chinook Dental Group?
Four Dental Specialties
Receive comprehensive care for four dental specialties.
Appointments Available
Receive timely care and schedule immediate appointments.
No Judgement Services
Receive dental care without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Dr. Choo-Soon Kua, DDS, FRCDC
Certified Specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. Kua is a Certified Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery born and raised in Calgary. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2008. Dr. Kua obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Western Ontario in 2012. Following completion of his doctorate, Dr. Kua practiced general dentistry in Calgary and Bowden Correctional Institution for two years before being accepted into and completing his specialty training in Oral & Maxillofacial
Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. His residency consisted of rotations in anaesthesia, general surgery, otolaryngology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and critical care medicine. He is trained in all aspects of IV sedation, complex dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, bone grafting, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and non-surgical temporomandibular joint disorders.
Dr. Kua is excited to offer a broad range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services to Calgary and surrounding areas.
Understanding Sedation and Anaesthesia
At Chinook Dental Group, we understand that dental fear and anxiety can be a significant concern. The constant fear of the dentist can prevent you from getting the dental care you need, leading to oral health and well-being concerns down the road. To resolve this, we offer a variety of solutions for dental sedation and anaesthesia.
Through modern dentistry, sedation techniques have been developed to provide a state of calmness, relaxation or unconsciousness. This ensures your comfort, enhances your safety, and improves your overall experience during dental treatments.
Types of Sedation
The suitable type of sedation depends on the procedure to be done. This can range from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. Here is a brief overview of the types of sedation we offer:
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
This type of sedation technique involves medication that is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line. This provides an adjustable source of medication as the dosage can be altered accordingly. Most people under IV sedation fall asleep during the treatment and wake up with little to no recollection of the procedure.
Because of these strong effects, IV sedation is recommended for those with severe dental anxiety or those who require complex and lengthy dental treatments.
Oral Sedation
Before the procedure, usually at least an hour before, your dentist will give you sedative medication in either pill or liquid form. This will provide minimal anaesthetic effects so your dentist can proceed with a safe and comfortable treatment.
Oral sedative medications will make you quite groggy, but you will still be able to respond to physical stimulation or verbal commands. However, the effects may linger for a while. So, it is best that you arrange for the company to be present as you leave the dentist’s office.
Nitrous Sedation
This is commonly known as “laughing gas,” in which the medication is delivered through the nose and inhaled to produce a light, calming effect in under five minutes. The dosage can also be controlled as needed throughout the procedure.
After the treatment, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide out of your system. The sedative effects will wear off quickly, allowing you to proceed normally with your daily routine after the treatment.
When Is Sedation Needed?
Sedation is commonly recommended in the following situations:
- Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
- Complex or lengthy procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or multiple dental implant placement
- Uncooperative children
- Individuals with special needs or comorbidities
- Patients with low pain threshold, overly sensitive gag reflex, and difficulty controlling movement
With sedation, our team can ensure that all patients can receive optimal dental care in a stress-free environment.
Benefits of Sedation and Anaesthesia
- There are many ways in which our patients can find sedation dentistry an advantage, such as:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Minimizes pain and discomfort during the procedure
- Facilitates a safer, faster, and more efficient dental treatment
- Improves treatment outcomes for long-term oral health
- Helps patients with special needs to receive dental care
Contact Us To Book An Appointment
With our variety of options for sedation dentistry available to improve your dental experience, our team can ensure that you receive proper dental care without worries, fear, or anxiety. As we understand your concerns and goals, we can help you decide the most appropriate type of sedation for you. Ultimately, this will depend on the complexity of your treatment, your anxiety level, and your overall health.
Want to know more about sedation for your treatment? Book an appointment with us today and let our expert team help you understand your options!
