Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry
What is Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
Sedation is a great way to relax and calm down during your dental appointment. While we do everything we can to make your appointment as relaxed as possible, we understand that it’s common to experience dental-related anxiety. If your anxiety is keeping you from receiving the care that you need, it is time for you to think about coming in for sleep dentistry. Sedation is safe and effective for patients of all ages who would benefit from it.
Why would Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry be needed?
There are a few reasons for why you might benefit from sleep dentistry. The first reason is if you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, and if you suffer panic attacks whenever you’re in the chair for treatment. You might constantly put off coming into the office because of this fear. Likewise, you might benefit from sedation if you have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, need oral surgery or if you’d simply rather be asleep or deeply relaxed for the appointment.
Who is a candidate for Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
In order to be considered a candidate for sleep dentistry, we will perform an exam and go over all of your health and medical history. You must be healthy enough to undergo sedation. Sedatives are safe for most patients, both younger and older. In fact, many of our pediatric patients will benefit from sedation when coming into the office.
What happens during Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
There are several different types of sedative available to meet your needs. The first, and most common, is known as nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is more commonly referred to as laughing gas. A small mask is placed over your nose and the sweet-smelling fumes are designed to relax you deeply while receiving care. Oral sedation is available as well, and this involves taking a small pill prior to your appointment to calm you down. IV sedation is ideal for patients who either want or need to be asleep for their dental visit. It’s most common for oral surgery and for more complex procedures done in-office.
If you think you might benefit from sedation dentistry, call us today to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our team members.