An Inside Look Into Sleep or Sedation Dentistry

Most people dread visiting the dentist. If you are among those that would rather endure tooth pain than seek medical attention, Sunnyvale sleep dentistry can help you relax during all your dental procedures. It involves using medications to help you remain calm and can be used for any dental treatment, including cleaning. Here are the different sedations your specialist may use during a dental procedure.

Types of sedation

  • Minimal sedation

Dentists use nitrous oxide gas for this form of sedation, also known as laughing gas. You inhale the gas through a mask that your specialist places over your nose. Patients are more calm or relaxed during the procedure. Since this type of sedation wears off quickly, most patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.

  • Moderate sedation

It is administered orally in a pill at least an hour before the procedure. The dosage varies depending on how anxious or worried you are. Moderate sedation is an excellent choice for patients who cannot stand the idea of undergoing any dental procedure. Your dentist may require you to take a pill for mild sedation, but a higher dose can be administered for moderate sedation. The medication makes you dizzy, and some patients fall asleep during the procedure. If you fall asleep, a gentle shake may make you alert.

  • IV moderate sedation

The mode of sedative administration brings out the difference between this type of sedation and the oral one. For this form of sedation, your dentist administers the sedatives intravenously, and most of the time is used to adjust the sedation levels. It works more quickly because the medications are injected right into the vein.

  • Deep sedation

The medications used for deep sedation make you unconscious and unaware of your surroundings and what is going on. You will be asleep throughout the procedure and may feel groggy afterward. Patients who require deep sedation may need someone to drive them home as the medications can impair one’s judgment. Your dentist may recommend deep sedation for different procedures such as jaw reconstruction, implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, and sometimes root canal treatment.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

There is always a risk whenever anesthesia is involved, but the chances are lower when working with a specialist. Sleep dentistry is usually safe for healthy adults but may not be suitable for pregnant women and people who have had previous reactions to sedatives. For this reason, initial consultation with the doctor is essential to establish whether you are a good candidate for sleep dentistry.

During the consultation, your dentist goes through your medical history and may ask you several questions regarding your current health. You may need to write all the medications you are on since they usually affect sedation.

All types of sedation are usually safe when given by a skilled specialist. If you want to learn more about sleep dentistry, consult with your dentist at Perio & Implant Centers of Monterey Bay. 

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