Sedation Dentistry / Sleep Dentistry

Sedation dentistry (sometimes called “sleep dentistry”) provides a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for people who need dental treatment, but who dread going to the dentist. According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, 30 percent of the U.S. population avoids going to the dentist because of anxiety. This all-too-common “dental phobia” prevents many people from receiving the dental care they need.

What is Sedation?

Sedation dentistry helps the patient achieve a relaxed, calm state-of-mind through the use of medication. Today’s modern medicines are so effective that most patients barely remember the visit. It is as if they slept through the whole thing!

We use intravenous (I.V.) sedation, which is safe and effective. In contrast to other typical dental office agents like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or pills (oral sedation) that only provide lighter levels of relaxation, intravenous sedation provides a deeper, more reliable and controllable level of sedation which we can easily adjust to a patient’s needs.

Throughout the sedation process, we monitor the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and respiratory rates, continually ensuring that the patient is completely comfortable and reacting normally throughout the procedure.

Benefits

One major benefit of sedation dentistry is that patients often feel like their dental procedures, which can be lengthy, lasted only a few minutes. Patients who are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures can rest assured, knowing they’ll feel comfortable throughout the treatment process, and that the treatment will be over before they know it!

Finally

It’s important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you to the office. The friend or family member should drive you home after the dental procedure is finished and stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.

If you have questions about sedation dentistry, or would just like to learn more, please give us a call!

To watch a short video about sedation dentistry, click the play button.