Often referred to as,
“Sleep Dentistry,” Sedation Dentistry doesn’t actually put you to sleep unless
you are having an invasive oral surgery such as a dental implant or an extraction.
Sedation Dentistry is
used to help people overcome their fear of the dentist putting them in a
relaxed state while still able to listen and adhere to the dentists commands.
Web MD explains that
Sedation Dentistry is used to help people who experience anxiety when it comes
to the dentist’s chair.
Some people are so
phobic about dental checkups that they prefer to avoid treatment all together.
Unfortunately, avoiding dental treatments can make problems worse. If you had
taken care of that nagging toothache in the beginning, you might not need a
Root Canal.
Sedation Dentistry is
perfect for people who avoid the dentist as it can help relax you and ease the
anxiety. Sedation Dentistry can be used for more invasive procedures such as an
extraction or filling or for something as simple as a professional tooth
cleaning.
If you opt for
Sedation Dentistry, your dentist will use medication to help you relax. As
mentioned above, unless you are being put under with general anesthesia, you
will be awake during your dental procedure.
Four levels of
Sedation Dentistry are used dependent on your fear level.
Minimal sedation,
where you breathe nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used with
oxygen that you breathe through a mask that your dentist places over your nose.
The gas is used to help you relax. Your dentist has the ability to control how
much nitrous oxide you receive. After the procedure, the gas wears off quickly
allowing you to drive yourself home after the dental treatment.
Moderate sedation,
also called conscious or oral sedation requires you to be driven home after
your dental therapy treatment. Depending on how much is administered, this type
of sedation can range from minimal to moderate. The night before the procedure
or on the day, you will be given a pill to take, which may make you drowsy or
put you to sleep.
IV moderate sedation
is administered through a vein and goes to work quite quickly. This type of
sedation allows your dentist to adjust the levels of sedation throughout the procedure.
During deep sedation
or general anesthesia, your dentist will give you medication that will make you
nearly unconscious, or unconscious. This type of sedation is normally used for
oral surgery procedures.
