Sleep dentistry defined
The types of sedation used in sleep dentistry
- 1.Oral Sedation Dentistry: This common form of sleep dentistry involves a dentist administering a sedative pill to a patient the hour before his or her procedure. Examples of such oral sedation pills can include halcion, triazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam.
- 2.Conscious Sedation Dentistry: Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, conscious sedation dentistry is a technique that requires the patient to breathe in nitrous oxide through a mask. This gas allows the patient to enter a relaxed state while the dental practitioner closely monitors his or her intake of the gas for the duration of the appointment.
- 3.IV Moderate Sedation: A more powerful sedation practice, IV moderate sedation remains an option for patients who either have a severe phobia of the dentist, or are undergoing a complex procedure. To receive this type of sedation, your dentist will administer a sedative intravenously at the start of your appointment and continue to closely monitor your intake until your required dental work has been completed.
- 4.General Anesthesia: Only used for patients who require invasive and complex dental procedures, general anesthesia renders patients completely unconscious for the entire length of time they spend in the dentist’s chair.
Why choose sleep dentistry?
Mild discomfort when going to the dentist is completely normal – nobody enjoys getting poked and prodded, right? However, there are many things that prevent people from even setting foot in a dentists office that make the option of receiving sedation while in the chair, all the more attractive. Typically, candidates for sleep dentistry include individuals who:- Have sensitive gums and teeth
- Experience dental phobias and anxiety
- Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Will have to undergo complex and lengthy procedures
- Have a disability that may interfere with the dental procedure
- Experience difficulty controlling bodily movements
- Have a powerful gag reflex
- Are fearful of dental instruments