Sleep dentistry is a way to manage pain during a more invasive dental procedure. Many dentists use it for more common procedures, such as a deep dental cleaning, and dentists and oral surgeons also use sleep dentistry for surgical procedures, such as implant placement or wisdom tooth extraction.
This review offers an in-depth look at the role that sedation plays in dentistry, offering insights into what sleep dentistry is specifically, the different types and what to expect during treatment. By understanding more about sleep dentistry, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not it is right for you.
Sleep dentistry involves administering sedative medication before a dental procedure. The term “sleep dentistry” is misleading, however, as the patient is typically awake during the dental procedure, although general anesthesia may be an option for certain oral surgeries. The primary types of sleep dentistry include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation and IV sedation. Each offers a different level of sedation and its own unique benefits. Sleep dentistry is typically used for more invasive procedures, although certain types may also be available for routine, minimally invasive procedures as well.
The experience of sleep dentistry depends on the type of sedation used. For nitrous oxide, the patient simply wears a mask that releases nitrogen and oxygen. The patient can remove the mask whenever they desire if they begin to feel anxious. Oral sedation is as simple as taking oral medication and waiting for the effects to kick in. The effects of oral sedation wear off relatively soon after the procedure. IV sedation is slightly more complex and involves administering the medication intravenously (into the vein) with a needle and catheter.
For most patients, the pros of sleep dentistry make treatment worth it, although there are risks to know about. The most notable benefits of sleep dentistry include:
The risks of sleep dentistry include an allergic reaction, heart complications, low blood pressure and breathing complications.
Sleep dentistry is recommended for more invasive procedures, such as tooth extraction, root canal therapy, dental implant placement, bone grafting and jaw surgery. Sedation may also be available for less invasive treatment procedures, such as dental fillings and deep dental cleaning, if the patient requests it. It is also a great way for patients with dental anxiety or phobia to feel calmer during treatment.
If you are concerned about the pain that you may experience during a dental procedure, then we encourage you to reach out to our dental team to learn more. We can put together a pain management plan to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible while receiving dental treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://thesmilespa.dentistnerds.com or call The Smile Spa at (818) 699-9377 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Dentistry in Agoura Hills, CA.
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