Popular Sleep Dentistry Options

by | Jun 2, 2018 | Uncategorized

Popular Sleep Dentistry Options

Sleep dentistry is the perfect means of treating, cleaning or operating on the teeth, gums or other portions of the mouth in as painless of a manner as possible. Patients have a seemingly endless number of reasons to dislike visiting with the dentist. Though the majority of dentists are friendly, patients fear dental drills, potential pain, vibrations from dental instruments or a negative experience that occurred in the past. Regardless of the reason why a patient does not want to visit with the dentist, sleep dentistry will eliminate the problem and make it easy to receive much-needed dental care. Here is a brief look at the different types of sleep dentistry options.

Oral Sedatives

An oral sedative medication can be provided the night before the procedure. It is also possible to wait half an hour before the appointment. The patient's level of anxiety ultimately determines when the oral sedative should be applied. However, oral sedatives will not provide pain relief. A local anesthetic will also be necessary.

General Anesthesia

This form of dental sedation involves the use of an anesthetic to make the patient unconscious. The patient is unaware of what is going on, so there is no need for a local anesthetic.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

This form of conscious inhalation sedation induces relaxation. Also referred to as laughing gas, the nitrous oxide gas is used in combination with a local anesthetic to halt pain.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation (IV) is yet another form of sleep dentistry. Similar to oral sedatives, this form of sedation does not offer pain relief, so a local anesthetic is provided in unison.

About Local Anesthesia

Once the dentist has applied the numbing medication deemed most appropriate or a topical anesthetic, the portion of the mouth in which he or she will work is injected with a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia functions by blocking nerves that send or sense pain. This blocking means if there is pain caused by the procedure, the patient will not notice it.

Levels of Dental Sedation

The sleep dentistry options detailed above provide different degrees of sedation. As an example, anxiolysis is a form of sedative causing light sedation. IV sedation or nitrous oxide sedation is conscious sedation in which the patient is awake and responsive yet deeply relaxed. The state of deep sedation is that between conscious sedation for dental treatment and unconscious dental sedation. Those who cannot respond to commands with consistency might require assistance at some point. Finally, general anesthesia that causes the airways to close leads to the state of unconsciousness. This form of sedation is strictly reserved for oral surgery.

What About Sleep Dentistry Options for Children?

The majority of dentists provide nitrous oxide to help youngsters handle the potential discomfort of dental procedures. Lean on a team of oral health specialists capable of altering anesthesia methods as necessary and your loved ones will be in good hands.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact our office today and let us help guide you in the best direction.

Request an appointment in our Tempe dentist office here: https://www.smtfamilydental.com.


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